Match Preview: Crvena Zvezda vs PSV Eindhoven (Match Preview)
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Match Preview: Crvena Zvezda vs PSV Eindhoven
UEFA Champions League League Phase – Matchday 7
Date: 1 January 2025
Venue: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade
Kick-off: 20:00 CET
Match at a Glance
This Matchday 7 clash pits Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. Both sides are looking for crucial points to extend their Champions League campaigns. With Crvena Zvezda coming off a dominant domestic run and PSV in mixed form, this promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Head-to-Head
Previous Matches: Two encounters (2004 UEFA Champions League qualifiers)
- PSV Wins: 1 (5-0 in Eindhoven)
- Crvena Zvezda Wins: 1 (3-2 in Belgrade)
Against Dutch Clubs (Crvena Zvezda):
- Wins: 4 , Draws: 1, Losses: 1
Against Serbian Clubs (PSV):
- Wins: 1, Draws: 0, Losses: 1
Form Guide
Crvena Zvezda - Latest Matches: W-W-W-W-L
Key Results:
- 7-1 win over Novi Pazar (Domestic League)
- 5-1 victory over Stuttgart (Matchday 5, UCL)
Champions League: 1 win, 5 losses
Home Record (vs Dutch Clubs): Unbeaten (W3 D0 L0)
PSV - Latest Matches: L-W-D-W-L
Key Results:
- 3-0 win over Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
- 1-0 loss at Brest (Matchday 6, UCL)
Champions League: 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses
Away Record (UCL): Winless in 3 matches this season
Tactical Analysis
Crvena Zvezda
Strengths:
- Dominant at home, especially against Dutch clubs, with a stellar record in Belgrade.
- Free-scoring attackers Cherif Ndiaye and Luka Ilić are in fine form domestically, combining for 26 goals in the Serbian league.
Weaknesses:
- Leaky defence in Europe, with 16 goals conceded in 6 matches.
- Lack of consistency when transitioning to Champions League-level opponents.
Key Players
- Cherif Ndiaye: The striker has scored 13 goals in the league and 4 in his last 4 appearances.
- Luka Ilić: Playmaker with 10 goals and pivotal in build-up play.
PSV Eindhoven
Strengths:
- A dynamic attacking trio, highlighted by their 5-4 thriller against Groningen in the Dutch Cup.
- Versatility in midfield with Joey Veerman and Malik Tillman orchestrating play.
Weaknesses:
- Struggles on the road in Europe, with just 1 win in their last 20 away UCL matches.
- Defensive lapses exemplified in high-scoring games like the 5-4 win against Groningen
Key Players
- Luuk de Jong: The experienced forward remains a key target man in set pieces and open play.
- Malik Tillman: A creative force in midfield who can be an influential figure in the centre of the park.
Predictions
Likely Outcome: Both teams have vulnerabilities at the back, suggesting a high-scoring affair. Crvena Zvezda’s home advantage might edge the game in their favour.
Predicted Score: Crvena Zvezda 3-2 PSV Eindhoven
Trivia
- Crvena Zvezda’s Fortress: They are unbeaten at home against Dutch clubs across three matches.
- PSV’s Away Woes: The Dutch side has won just once in their last 20 away games in the Champions League proper.
This matchup holds high stakes for both teams, with Crvena Zvezda desperate to keep their campaign alive and PSV eager to consolidate their position.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
