PSV Eindhoven welcome Belgian outfit and Champions League newcomers Union SG to the Philips Stadion with both side keen to start strongly in the group stage
PSV Eindhoven and Champions League newcomers Union SG will kick off their 2025-26 campaigns with a clash at Philips Stadium on Tuesday. This marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, their only previous encounter being a pre-season friendly in July, which PSV narrowly won 1-0.
PSV return to Philips Stadium in Europe’s top competition still haunted by last season’s heavy 7-1 defeat to Arsenal at home, a result that contributed to their 9-3 aggregate exit in the round of 16. Determined to make a stronger impression this year, the Boeren are aiming to reach the knockout stage for a third consecutive season.
The Dutch champions secured direct qualification to the Champions League after clinching back-to-back Eredivisie titles, and they have started their title defense well, despite a disappointing home loss to Telstar. Peter Bosz’s side bounced back impressively on Saturday, winning a thrilling 5-3 encounter at NEC. With four wins from five league matches, PSV currently sit second in the Eredivisie and have claimed victory in five of their last six games across all competitions.
For Union SG, this match marks their debut in the Champions League group stage, though they are no strangers to European football, having competed in the Europa League for the past three seasons. The Belgian side earned their historic Champions League berth by winning the domestic title last season—their first in 90 years—and have carried that momentum into the new campaign.
Union remain unbeaten in the league, with five wins from seven matches, their only blemish being a Super Cup defeat to Club Brugge. Sebastien Pocognoli’s men travel to Eindhoven on the back of a 1-0 away victory over Dender on Saturday, a result that keeps them at the top of the Belgian league standings.