PSV Eindhoven begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, with Peter Bosz’s side arriving in strong domestic form but facing a test of their European credentials.

PSV Eindhoven welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to the Philips Stadium on Thursday night for their opening League Phase fixture of the 2026-27 Champions League. The meeting comes almost two years after their dramatic encounter in November 2024, when PSV produced a remarkable late comeback to win 3-2 after scoring three times from the 87th minute onwards.

The reigning Dutch champions enter the contest with considerable confidence. PSV have won the Eredivisie in each of the last three seasons and secured their 27th top-flight title in 2025-26, finishing 19 points clear of Feyenoord.

Their domestic start has again been impressive. Bosz’s team have won four and drawn one of their opening five league matches, following a 6-1 demolition of FC Utrecht and a 3-1 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam on Saturday.

European form, however, remains an area PSV will want to improve. They won only two of their eight League Phase matches last season, drawing two and losing four, and finished 28th to miss out on the knockout rounds.

PSV are competing in the Champions League proper for a record 20th time this season, but they have lost each of their last five opening matchday fixtures in the competition. Their last Matchday One victory came in 2015-16, when they defeated Manchester United 2-1 at home.

Home form in Europe is another concern. PSV have lost four of their last five Champions League matches at the Philips Stadium, conceding 17 goals across those games. They can nevertheless take encouragement from their record against Ukrainian opposition, having won their last three Champions League matches against teams from Ukraine.

Shakhtar arrive with their reasons for optimism. The Ukrainian champions have won four of their opening five league matches this season, including a 2-1 comeback victory over Karpaty Lviv last weekend.

Arda Turan’s side are also preparing for their 20th Champions League campaign, the joint milestone making them the most experienced Ukrainian club in the competition. Shakhtar won their 16th Ukrainian top-flight title last season.

The visitors will play their Champions League home matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this season because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Turan guided Shakhtar to the Conference League semi-finals last season, and the club have lost only two of their last eight group-stage or League Phase matches in European competition.

Shakhtar have also lost only twice in their last seven meetings with Dutch opposition, although PSV will provide a considerably different challenge.

PSV have several absentees. Alassane Pléa, Jerdy Schouten, Sam Ouaissa, Kiliann Sildillia and Dennis Man are unavailable, while Mauro Júnior is suspended. Mikkel Bro Hansen and Sam Lammers are also among those unavailable, although Lammers could be close to a return.

Ricardo Pepi is expected to lead the attack after scoring three goals in his first five matches this season. The USA international has an impressive Champions League record for PSV, with six goals and three assists in the competition.

Ruben van Bommel should retain his place on the left after starting against Ajax, with Ivan Perišić providing width on the opposite flank. Lutsharel Geertruida, who scored on his first PSV start against Ajax, is expected to continue in defence.

Shakhtar have their own lengthy absentee list, including Tymur Puzankov, Denys Tvardovskyi, Prosper Obah, Marlon, Pedrinho, Kiril Fesyun, Alan Matturro and Eguinaldo.

Kaua Elias, who has scored three times in five games this season, is expected to lead the visitors' attack, while Santana, Isaque and Newerton are expected to play behind him, providing support and creating chances for the Ukrainian team.

With both sides making strong domestic starts, Thursday’s meeting offers an early measure of whether PSV can turn their current Eredivisie momentum into a more convincing Champions League campaign.

Possible Lineups

PSV Eindhoven: Kovář; Dest, Geertruida, Obispo, Kostić; Sano, Fernandez; Perišić, Til, Van Bommel; Pepi.

Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviienko, Henrique; Ocheretko, Santana, Isaque, Alisson, Newerton; Elias.