PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk takes place at PSV Stadion in Eindhoven on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with kick-off at 16:45 UTC (18:45 CEST). The UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 fixture opens the 2026/27 league-phase campaign for both clubs.
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk brings together two clubs with regular European experience. PSV arrive after an impressive 3-1 Eredivisie win away to Ajax, while Shakhtar travel to Eindhoven after a 2-1 Ukrainian Premier League victory over Karpaty. The teams have met once before in the Champions League, when PSV came from two goals down to win 3-2 at home in the 2024/25 league phase. For the competition format and schedule, see SportPesa Global’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk match details
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 |
| Stage | League Phase – Matchday 1 |
| Date | Thursday, 10 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 16:45 UTC / 18:45 CEST / 19:45 Kyiv time |
| Venue | PSV Stadion, Eindhoven |
| PSV coach | Peter Bosz |
| Shakhtar coach | Arda Turan |
Once the match begins, SP Score should be used for confirmed lineups, the live score, match statistics and changing events.
READ ALSO: Champions League 2026/27 Draw: Pots, Teams & Fixtures
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk team news and injuries
PSV have several availability issues for Matchday 1. Mauro Júnior is suspended, while Dennis Man, Anass Ouaissa, Alassane Pléa and Kiliann Sildillia are listed as unavailable. Sam Lammers is a fitness doubt.
Shakhtar are without goalkeeper Kiril Fesiun through illness and defender Marlon Santos because of a muscular problem. Pedrinho is also listed as doubtful with a thigh issue. Final availability should still be checked against the official starting lineups before kick-off.
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk head-to-head and current form
PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk have met once before in the Champions League. Their previous meeting came in Eindhoven on Matchday 5 of the 2024/25 league phase, when PSV recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
PSV enter the match after beating Ajax 3-1 in Amsterdam on 5 September. Peter Bosz’s side used their high press effectively and controlled the second half well after an open start.
Shakhtar’s latest league match ended in a 2-1 comeback win away to Karpaty on 5 September. Alisson scored the second-half winner after Shakhtar had recovered from falling behind early.
Key players and tactical angles
PSV’s attacking options include Ricardo Pepi, Ivan Perišić, Guus Til and Ruben van Bommel, with Sergiño Dest and Filip Kostić offering width from deeper positions. Bosz has continued to build around aggressive pressing, quick ball recovery and control in the opposition half.
Shakhtar’s attacking group includes Alisson Santana, Newertton and Kauã Elias, while Mykola Matviienko provides experience in defence. Arda Turan has made it clear that Shakhtar do not plan to spend the match simply defending; he wants his side to play with courage and retain their own style against PSV’s press.
That makes the response to pressure one of the clearest tactical themes. PSV will look to force mistakes high up the pitch, while Shakhtar’s ability to play through or around that pressure will shape how often they can attack.
READ ALSO: 2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Qualified Teams, Format, Key Dates and Teams to Watch
Coach comments and how to follow PSV vs Shakhtar live
Peter Bosz says PSV are further along than they were at the same stage last season and has spoken positively about the depth and quality Shakhtar continue to assemble. His focus is on improvement and approaching every Champions League match with the aim of competing at a higher level.
Arda Turan has praised PSV’s football culture and intense pressing but stressed that Shakhtar must be brave and play their own football. He also noted that several players are preparing for their first Champions League starting appearances.
For live score, confirmed lineups, match events and statistics, follow SP Score. Users can also review the available UEFA Champions League markets on SportPesa Global. 18+ only. Bet responsibly. Odds and market availability may change.
FAQs about PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk
When is PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk?
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk takes place on Thursday, 10 September 2026 in UEFA Champions League Matchday 1.
What time does PSV vs Shakhtar kick off?
Kick-off is at 16:45 UTC, which is 18:45 CEST in Eindhoven and 19:45 in Kyiv.
Where is PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk being played?
The match is being played at PSV Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Have PSV and Shakhtar played before?
Yes. Their only previous Champions League meeting came in the 2024/25 league phase, when PSV won 3-2 in Eindhoven.
Who is unavailable for PSV vs Shakhtar?
PSV are without suspended Mauro Júnior and have several injury absences, while Shakhtar are without Kiril Fesiun and Marlon Santos. Pedrinho is doubtful.
Where can I follow PSV vs Shakhtar live?
Use SP Score for confirmed lineups, live scores, match events and statistics once the game begins.
Conclusion
PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk opens both clubs’ 2026/27 Champions League league-phase campaigns in Eindhoven on Thursday evening. PSV arrive after a 3-1 win over Ajax, while Shakhtar travel after a 2-1 victory over Karpaty. The previous meeting between the clubs produced a dramatic PSV comeback, but this preview stays focused on the current team news, form and tactical context rather than predicting the outcome. Follow SP Score for confirmed lineups, live scores and changing match information once the game begins.
