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Peter Green - July 21, 2019
PSV Eindhoven vs Basel
Champions League Qualification
Date: Tuesday, 23 July 2019
Kick-off at 19:00 UK/ 20:00 CET
Venue: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven).
Both teams were runners-up in their respective leagues the last season, but the manners in which they took the second position were vastly varied. Basel had probably bowed out of the title race probably during the first few match-days itself, due to the presence of Young Boys in their midst.
In the end, they had to settle 20 points below the champions, whereas, Eindhoven was involved in a two-horse race along with Ajax for the Eredivisie crown till the very last. On the final day, they accepted defeat to the former club of Johan Crujiff, who had the service of some generational talents in 2018-19.
The story has changed now. Ajax has depleted some of their major resources, and this is the opportunity for PSV to take their place back in the Netherlands.
A deep run in the Champions League will be on their agenda, considering what their rivals did last season. Also, the team had the chance to lock horns against some of the best in the business in the forms of Barcelona, Tottenham, Inter Milan, etc, which has definitely added to their experience.
PSV was unbeaten in 20 of their last 22 official games, and one of the two losses had come against Ajax. At home, they really have been a beast, with them going invincible in 22 of their last 24 official clashes, and the sole two losses came against Inter Milan and Barcelona, in the Champions League.
Opponents Basel may be a big deal in Switzerland, but they are about to get a reality check once the continental competition begins. They have the away handicap, against one of the best home teams in Europe, and against some of the best free-flowing attack.
Moreover, PSV will be determined to make a mark this campaign, and outdo the efforts of their archrivals Ajax Amsterdam. Await a victory for the home team this Tuesday.
