PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction 20.02.2024

• Competition: UEFA Champions League &— last 16 1st leg
• Date: Tuesday, 20th, February 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UTC / 21.00 CET
• Venue: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven)

On Tuesday, PSV Eindhoven, the indomitable leaders of the Eredivisie, will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Philips Stadion for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Despite suffering a severe 0-4 defeat to Arsenal in North London at the start of their Champions League journey, the Eindhoven giants bounced back remarkably. They went undefeated in their subsequent five European group-stage matches (W3, D2), which enabled them to clinch the second spot, a mere point ahead of RC Lens in third place. Consequently, Peter Bosz’s squad has reserved their place among the top 16 teams of the premier club competition. This marks their comeback to the knockout phase after almost a ten-year hiatus. Their last appearance was during the 2015-16 season, where Atletico Madrid knocked them out in a thrilling penalty shootout (7-8).

After the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, Borussia Dortmund knew they had a tough road ahead to the knockout phase, but nothing they couldn’t overcome. Despite a shaky start in the feared “group of death”, earning just one point from their first two UCL games, the beloved Millionaires made a stunning comeback. They secured 10 out of a possible 12 points in their next four European games, topping the table and guaranteeing their spot in the knockout rounds.

PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund Betting Tips: X2 (Double chance)

PSV’s impressive Eredivisie campaign, where they secured an astounding 62 out of 66 possible points, certainly merits recognition. However, gaining an upper hand against the tenacious Dortmund team in the first leg of the UCL last-16 showdown won’t be easy, even with the support of their dedicated fans. The Yellow and Blacks not only have a more distinguished European history, but they also navigated successfully through the daunting “group of hell”, emerging as leaders. They left behind Paris Saint-Germain, a French powerhouse, AC Milan, a seven-time “big-eared trophy” winner, and Newcastle, a Premier League heavyweight. Hence, they cannot be underestimated.

Since holding Mbappe’s team to a draw in their last UCL group stage match on December 13th, Dortmund has managed to maintain their unbeaten streak, which stretched to nine games during the weekend (W4, D5), as they managed a draw in a challenging game against Wolfsburg (1-1). Crucially, Edin Terzic’s team has managed to bolster their defense at a crucial time and appears to have found a strategy to counteract PSV’s powerful attack. They have kept their goal safe in four of their first six Bundesliga games this year, letting in only two goals.

Though the Yellow and Blacks are seen as a tougher team compared to the Dutch side, who are experiencing their first knockout exit in eight seasons, Dortmund’s record is more impressive. They’ve reached this stage for the fifth time in the last six UCL editions. Furthermore, head-to-head statistics also favor the Bundesliga team, who have never lost against PSV, with two victories and one draw. Considering all these factors, we must favor Dortmund to at least maintain their undefeated run during their visit to Eindhoven.