PSV vs FC Bayern München

A heavy 3-0 defeat at Newcastle on Matchday 7 summed up PSV’s recent struggles. That result was their fifth loss in the last 20 group stage or league phase matches (W8 D7) and only the second time in that sequence they failed to score. While goals have not generally been an issue, defensive resilience has been harder to find at this level. In addition, PSV’s recent history against German opposition makes Wednesday’s task of holding on to a playoff qualifying spot grim. The Dutch side, who are in 22nd place, are winless in their last five UEFA competition matches against German clubs (D2 L3). They have managed just two wins in their last nine Champions League outings overall (D3 L4). Furthermore, momentum has been slipping, with PSV losing their last two league phase matches after previously putting together an unbeaten run of four (W2 D2). There are, however, personal storylines that add intrigue. PSV midfielder Ivan Perišić spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern from Inter, scoring eight goals in 35 appearances and playing his part in a memorable Champions League triumph that completed a domestic double. Paul Wanner also adds a subplot, having joined PSV from Bayern in the summer of 2025. PSV will also look to Ricardo Pepi, who has scored in their last two home league phase matches. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Ismael Saibari in attack is expected against Bayern Munich.

A 2-0 home win against Union Saint-Gilloise on Matchday 7 was Bayern’s tenth victory in the last 12 league phase matches (L2). The German side have also won ten of their last 12 games in the Champions League league phase overall and historically have had the upper hand in this fixture. Bayern have won six of the eight previous UEFA competition meetings between the clubs (D1 L1). Their most recent clashes came in the 2016/17 Champions League group stage, when Bayern asserted their dominance with a 4-1 victory in Munich followed by a 2-1 win in Eindhoven. Already qualified for the next round, 2nd-placed Vincent Kompany can afford to experiment with unfamiliar faces for this trip to Eindhoven. Meanwhile, Harry Kane remains central to Bayern’s attacking threat. His two goals against Union SG took his tally to 26 goals in 32 Champions League appearances for Bayern, adding to the 21 he scored in 32 games for Tottenham. Kane has already struck seven times in seven Champions League matches this season and has fond memories of PSV, having scored against them during Tottenham’s 2018/19 campaign. He is expected at the attacking end of Bayern’s 4—2—3—1 formation.