While AS Monao may seem to be Group B favorites in the Europa League, the Monagasks should not underestimate PSV Einhoven and Real Sociedad. At least a third of the known sturgeon may have stored some surprises as well. Here is a review of ASM’s three rivals in the Europa League group stage. This Thursday at 21:00 the Austrian guests start at Louis II.

PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

Brief story

Like Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam, PSV Eindhoven is a legend in the Netherlands. The club, one of the country’s historic teams, has won the Netherlands 24 times and won the Champions League (then the UEFA Cup) in 1988. Farmers, Dutch farmers, PSV players are Champions League regulars.

>> Read also: League 1: AS Monaco lose to Marseille

In European tournaments, the team is at home, with legends such as Ronaldo, Romario, Marc van Bommel, Philippe Coque, Patrick Cluwert, Rudd van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, most recently Memphis Depay, and Giorgio Vizaldam Pass. The club was founded on August 31, 1913, by the factories of Philips, a leading tech company, to celebrate the centenary of France’s defeat at the Napoleonic Wars. Hence the name PSV, short for Philips Sport Warning.

Player to watch

The 2014 world champion against Germany, who scored the only goal of the match against Argentina in the final, will remain forever in his memory, as Mario Gotze decided to settle in the Dutch city last season. The 29-year-old German footballer (63 appearances, 17 goals) has been at the forefront of the team since his arrival and wants to revive his career that was hampered by the horrific muscle disease (myopathy) he discovered while traveling to Borussia in 2017.

Number to remember

4, like the number of PSV Eindhoven leagues this season. Still undefeated, the Dutch fell to Benfica in the Champions League play-offs (2-1, 0-0). A verdict similar to that of AS Monaco …

Real Sociedad (Spain)

Brief story

Along with their big rival Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad is another great team in the Basque Country. Founded in 1904 as the San Sebastian Recreation Club, the football team in the city of San Sebastian is the brainchild of British and Irish students and workers. Real Sociedad, a two-time winner of the Spanish Championship (1981-1982), are now one of the few outsiders in the league for some time.

>> Read also: AS Monaco is expanding its presence in Asia with a new partner

In the top eight of the league, the team formed by Antoine Griezmann finished fifth last season, as well as winning the Kings Cup against his long-time rivals Athletic Bilbao (1-0).

Player to watch

At 35, David Silva has never lost his flawless technique. Nickname The magician For the quality of his passing and ball possession, the Spanish player (125 games, 35 goals) returned to Liga Santander in 2020 after ten seasons at Manchester City. Born in the Canaries and trained in Valencia, he is Real Sociedad’s most technical player. David Silva, who won the 2008 European Championships, the 2010 World Cup and the 2021 European Championships, is the source of Emanuel Alguzil’s team experience. The meeting with Cesc Fabregas, who has always won the Spanish election, could lead to a double clash between Real and ASM.

Number to remember

4, like the number of goals scored by Michael O’Reilly in the league since the start of the season. The Spanish player is Real Sociedad’s strongest attack. Monegask has informed the defense.

Storm grass (Austria)

Brief story

On paper, Storm Grass is the most promising. The team from the grass, the second largest city in the country, won the national championship three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2011, fourth in the last Austrian championship.

Founded in 1909, the team shares the stadium with its rival, Gracer AK. After some complicated seasons of serious financial problems, Stormgrass are back on their feet, reaching the final of the Austrian Championship and winning the 2018 Austrian Cup.

Player to watch

Sturm captain Stefan Hairlander is the main focus of the Austrian team in midfield. The 30-year-old from Villach played in the Austrian league and won the title with Salzburg in 2012 and 2014. A transition from RB Leipzig between 2014 and 2016, Higherlander joined Sturm Grass in 2016. He also has three national team matches.

Number to remember

2, Stormgrass’ current position in the Austrian Bundesliga is seven points behind the strongest team in the country, Salzburg.