The Champions League playoff round kicks off this week, featuring an intriguing clash in Turin as Juventus go head-to-head with PSV.
Nolan James Feb 10
Juventus’ Mixed Campaign So Far
Juventus concluded the Champions League group stage in 20th place with 12 points from eight matches. Following the departure of long-serving manager Max Allegri, the club saw significant changes over the summer, with Thiago Motta stepping in after an impressive stint at Bologna. Alongside a managerial overhaul, Juventus revamped their squad with several ambitious signings, raising expectations among fans and pundits alike. However, the team has struggled to fully meet those hopes.
Currently sitting 5th in Serie A, Juventus are showing gradual improvement, but they have spent most of the season outside the top four. Despite losing just once in the league, their inability to close out games—evidenced by 13 draws—has hindered their progress. Nevertheless, club officials believe Motta is laying the groundwork for a return to serious contention for major trophies.
A key addition in January was French striker Randal Kolo Muani, who arrived on loan from PSG and has made an immediate impact. With five goals in three matches, he has provided the attacking edge Juventus desperately needed, particularly amid speculation of a fractured relationship between Motta and underperforming striker Dušan Vlahović.
The club has not reached the Champions League final since the 2016/17 season and has struggled to progress beyond the quarter-finals in recent years. While they are favorites in this tie, Juventus may still be a couple of seasons away from making a genuine push for European glory.
PSV’s Surprising Champions League Journey
PSV finished 14th in the Champions League standings with 14 points from eight matches. Despite facing relatively manageable group-stage opposition, the Dutch champions impressed by holding PSG to a draw in Paris and defeating a rotated Liverpool side in their final group match. That strong showing earned them a home advantage for the second leg of this fixture.
Domestically, PSV are in second place behind Ajax in the Eredivisie, trailing on head-to-head results while having played one more match than their rivals. Their league form has dipped compared to last season, having already lost two more games than they did throughout their entire previous campaign. Although the club has invested heavily in its squad, they are currently on track to surrender their domestic title.
PSV have not advanced beyond the Champions League last 16 since the 2005/06 season, and they face a tough task in breaking that streak this year. Having already lost 3-1 to Juventus in the group stage, history does not favor the Dutch side. Injuries have also hampered their chances, making this an uphill battle for them.
Recent Form: Juventus Struggling for Consistency
Juventus’ recent performances have been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. Over the weekend, they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Como, thanks to a brace from the in-form Kolo Muani. Prior to that, they convincingly defeated Empoli 4-1, with Kolo Muani and Vlahović both on the scoresheet. However, they suffered back-to-back defeats to Benfica (0-2) and Napoli (1-2) and were held to a goalless draw by Club Brugge.
PSV’s Strong Run of Form
PSV enter this clash unbeaten in their last five matches, recording three wins and two draws. Over the weekend, they were held to a 1-1 draw against Willem II, with Noa Lang scoring their only goal. Before that, they claimed a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord, thanks to goals from Johan Bakayoko and Guus Til, and played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with NEC, where Luuk de Jong, Ismael Saibari, and Bakayoko all found the net.
Their most impressive recent result came in the Champions League, where they stunned Liverpool with a 3-2 win, courtesy of goals from Bakayoko, Saibari, and Ricardo Pepi. That followed another 3-2 win over NAC Breda, with Til and Pepi leading the charge.
Prediction: Juventus to Continue Dominance Over PSV
Juventus claimed a 3-1 victory when these two sides met in the group stage, and a similar outcome looks likely this time around. PSV have struggled in away fixtures, winning just once in their last five Champions League road games, whereas Juventus have suffered only one defeat in their last 11 home matches.
With Kolo Muani providing a much-needed boost in attack, Juventus should have the firepower to come out on top and take a step closer to the next round.
