Dutch legend Ruud Gullit insists the Eredivisie champions can exploit defensive gaps at the Bernabéu, provided they avoid the tactical lapses that typically fuel Real Madrid’s European dominance.
Former PSV captain Ruud Gullit believes Peter Bosz’s side should not approach their Champions League meeting with Real Madrid believing the contest is already lost.
PSV were handed one of the biggest possible tests in the Champions League draw on Thursday when they were paired with Real Madrid away from home at the Bernabéu.
The fixture will bring back memories for PSV supporters of the 1987/88 European Cup campaign, when the Eindhoven side famously eliminated Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
PSV drew 1-1 in Madrid thanks to Edward Linskens’ goal before a 0-0 draw in the return leg at the Philips Stadium sent them through to the final. Guus Hiddink’s side subsequently defeated Benfica on penalties to lift the European Cup.
Now, decades later, PSV will return to Madrid for another meeting with the Spanish giants.
Gullit Sees an Opportunity
After Thursday’s draw, former PSV captain Gullit offered his assessment on Ziggo Sport and insisted that Peter Bosz’s team should not consider themselves without a chance.
“At Real Madrid you always get the feeling that there is something to be gained, because they always have players who linger after an attack,” Gullit said, as quoted by PSV Inside.
The former Netherlands international believes Real Madrid’s attacking approach can create opportunities for PSV, particularly if Bosz’s team can exploit the spaces left behind.
However, Gullit also stressed that facing the European heavyweights carries an obvious danger, and that is something that Peter Bosz and PSV need to be wary about.
“One Small Mistake Is Punished”
While PSV may find openings at the Bernabéu, Gullit warned that Real Madrid possess enough individual quality to turn even the smallest defensive lapse into a decisive moment.
“On the other hand, the individual quality is so high that even one small mistake is punished,” Gullit explained.
“Then you think to yourself: it was going so well, how does it still go wrong now. That is the danger against Real Madrid.”
The clash will also have an additional connection for PSV supporters, with former PSV player Denzel Dumfries now active at Real Madrid this season.
For Bosz and his squad, the trip to the Spanish capital will therefore represent one of the standout fixtures of PSV’s Champions League campaign.
Gullit’s assessment is clear: Real Madrid’s quality makes them extremely dangerous, but PSV can still find opportunities if they are able to take advantage of the spaces their opponents leave behind.
