
Thiago Motta is not going to play for a draw when Juventus goes to PSV with a slim 2-1 advantage in their play-off tie of the Champions League.
Juve will make the trip to Philips Stadium on Wednesday after their late victory on the Dutch side in the first stage preceded a 1-0 Serie A victory against Champions Inter on Sunday.
Weston McKennie and Samuel Mbangula were on either side of the strike of Ivan Perisic in the reverse match, although Motta will not follow the defensive approach to see his side in the last 16 phase.
“This is the most important game of our season. We have taken an important first step, but it is not enough,” Motta told reporters on Tuesday.
“We don't know how to play to get a draw and we go onto the field to win. In football you have to be willing to do everything and think about everything. It will be important to our head Good to use.
“We have to hope that our team is at its best in every aspect. We want to do our best to earn a place in the next round.”
#Psvjuve ⤵
– JuventusFC (@Juventusfcen) 18 February 2025
Juventus has beat PSV twice this season after a 3-1 home victory in their Champions League opener in September, although only five teams have won three games against an opponent in a single campaign in the Ajax v Milan competition (1994-95) , Bayern Munich against Real Madrid (1999-00), Liverpool V PSV (2006-07), Manchester United V Roma (2007-08) and Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain (2014-15).
A tough challenge is also waiting, because PSV is unbeaten in their last 12 home games in large European competition (W7 D5), including winning each of their last three
Motta knows that Juve must be at their best to endure the test, starting with his strikers that lead from the front.
“We have to press them very hard in advance, because when we leave spaces for them, they play very well,” he added.
“They are used to attacking with many men. We have to use the ball well with quality and intensity to create and convert goals for opportunities.”
Juve has each of their last three signed in the Champions League, the last two of which are aimless (V Aston Villa and Club Brugge), and another would send them on on Wednesday.
They will also feel like their chances, since Juventus has advanced from their last 20 European Cup/ Champions League Knock -Out Podium Tires when winning the first stage.
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