PSV vs Bayern

The final night of the Champions League league phase descends upon the Philips Stadion tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as PSV Eindhoven welcomes German giants Bayern Munich. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT (21:00 local / 15:00 ET)

For Peter Bosz’s PSV, the stakes couldn't be higher. Currently sitting in 22nd place (8 points), the Dutch champions are teetering on the edge of elimination; a win tonight guarantees a playoff spot, but anything less could see them overtaken by the likes of Napoli or Olympiacos. Bayern Munich (2nd place, 18 points) enters the match with their Round of 16 ticket already punched, playing for seeding and a bounce-back win following a shock domestic defeat to Augsburg.

Match Information

PSV Eindhoven: The Quest for Survival

PSV’s European form has dipped at the worst possible moment, suffering back-to-back losses against Newcastle and Atletico Madrid. However, they remain a juggernaut in the Eredivisie, sitting 14 points clear at the top. To survive tonight, they must overcome a massive injury list that has decimated their attacking options.

Team News and Selection:

• Striker Shortage: Ricardo Pepi (broken arm) is out until March, while Myron Boadu and Alassane Pléa are also sidelined.

• The "Wanner" Story: Teen sensation Paul Wanner, on loan from Bayern Munich, is eligible to face his parent club. He will likely lead the line in a "false nine" role.

• Key Absences: Ruben van Bommel, Guus Til, and Anass Salah-Eddine are all major doubts or ruled out, while defender Yarek Gasiorowski is suspended

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kovar; Sildillia, Schouten, Obispo, Mauro Júnior; Saibari, Veerman, Flamingo; Man, Wanner, Driouech.

Bayern Munich: Seeding and Pride

Vincent Kompany’s side has been the highest-scoring team in the competition (20 goals) but arrives in Eindhoven looking to restore order after their first Bundesliga loss of the season last weekend. With second place in the table nearly secured, Kompany may use this as an opportunity to test his defensive depth.

Team News and Selection:

• Defensive Shuffles: Minjae Kim is suspended, and Konrad Laimer and Raphaël Guerreiro are injured. Dayot Upamecano has recovered from illness and should return to the heart of the defense.

• Kane's Record: Harry Kane has 7 goals in 7 UCL games this term. He needs one more tonight to match his best-ever seasonal tally in the competition.

• The Creative Engine: Michael Olise has been the man of the moment, contributing a goal or assist in each of his last six appearances.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Bischof, Upamecano, Tah, Ito; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Bavarian Dominance: Bayern has won 6 of the 8 historical meetings between these sides (D1, L1).

• Dutch Struggles: Bayern has managed just one victory in their last seven away games against Eredivisie opposition (D3, L3).

• The Second Half Factor: 11 of PSV's 15 Champions League goals this season have been scored after the 45th minute.

• Kane vs. Eindhoven: Harry Kane scored three goals against PSV during his time at Tottenham, including two at the Philips Stadion.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

PSV will likely attempt to drag Bayern into a high-scoring "shootout," relying on the pace of Couhaib Driouech and the vision of Joey Veerman to exploit a Bayern defense missing its regular starters. However, Bayern’s midfield press—led by Kimmich and Pavlovic—usually feasts on teams that try to play out from the back as aggressively as Bosz's side.

If PSV can keep the score level until the hour mark, their habit of late-game surges could make things interesting. Ultimately, the gulf in attacking quality—specifically the partnership of Musiala and Kane—is likely to be the deciding factor.

Final Score Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 2–4 Bayern Munich