FC Barcelona will take on Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven in UEFA Champions League Group B opening match. Catalans and Dutch have clashed in six previous occasions with a slight winning balance for Barça (2W, 3D, 1L, 12 goals scored and 12 goals conceded).
1997-98 Champions League Group Stage was the last time both sides met drawing in all two matches at Camp Nou (2-2) and Philips Stadion (2-2).
The other four meetings between Culers and Farmers correspond to the Semifinals of the UEFA Cup 1977-78 in which PSV knocked down Barcelona (3-0 at Eindhoven's Philips Stadion and an insufficient 3-1 for Barça at Camp Nou), and UEFA Cup 1995-96 Quarter Finals where Blaugranes got revenge (2-2 at Camp Nou and 2-3 at the Philips Stadion).
Given the historical head to head between both clubs we get the Marca's article written by Xavi Hernández to analyse Valverde's side first competitors at the group of death joined by Tottenham and Inter as well.
"The best: Dominator in Holland, where they've won three of the last four leagues. They have a mix of local talent (De Jong, Bergwijn, Zoet) and good foreigners (Lozano, Pereiro, Gutierrez). On the coaching staff there are two old acquaintances in head coach, Mark Van Bommel and goalkeeping coach, Ruud Hesp.
"The worst: The leap in quality that exists between the Eredivisie and the Champions League. It can be noticed a lot in a group that contains Barcelona, Tottenham and Inter.
"The star: Hirving Lozano. This electric Mexican attacker was one of the sensations of the World Cup in Russia. He was decisive for his team in beating Germany in the group stage."
Now everything is ready to enjoy the best club competition in the world with the action of the tournament's strongest group which kicks off with the clash between these two legendary European powerhouses!