Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven secured a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Juventus on Wednesday, advancing to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-3 aggregate win in a dramatic play-off clash.
Centre-back Ryan Flamingo capitalized on defensive errors from Juventus to score in the first period of extra time, sending PSV into the next round where they will face either Arsenal or Inter Milan.
“Everyone gave it their all today,” said PSV captain and talismanic striker Luuk de Jong. “We had our backs against the wall, but we kept pushing, and we deserved to make it 3-1. It was just fantastic.”
In front of a passionate home crowd at the Philips Stadion, PSV came out firing, pressing Juventus and dominating possession. Despite their early pressure, the first half ended goalless, with Juventus content to defend their 2-1 lead from the first leg.
Needing a goal to stay in the tie, PSV came out even more determined in the second half, and in the 53rd minute, they were back in it. Winger Noa Lang, with his trademark flair, evaded two defenders and delivered a perfect pass to veteran Croatian forward Ivan Perisic, who expertly controlled and fired a clinical shot into the corner of the net.
“I like it when there are more defenders around me; it gives me a bigger challenge,” said Lang, who was named man of the match. “I thrive in those situations.”
PSV continued to dominate, with Lang coming close with a curling shot just past the post, and de Jong’s header cleared off the line. But against the run of play, Juventus regained the aggregate lead through a brilliant strike from Timothy Weah, who fired a low shot past goalkeeper Walter Benitez from outside the box.
Despite the setback, PSV refused to give up, and the pressure eventually paid off when Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari took advantage of a goalmouth scramble, smashing the ball into the top corner to level the aggregate score at 3-3.
In the final minutes of regular time, PSV had several chances to secure the win, with Lang denied by Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio’s outstretched foot and Saibari missing a clear opportunity when through on goal.
But in the second minute of extra time, Flamingo’s quick reflexes saw him pounce on a defensive mistake in the Juventus box, poking the ball home from close range to give PSV the crucial lead.
“You just have to be there. I used to be a striker, so I have a nose for these things,” joked Flamingo, who now has three Champions League goals to his name.
With Juventus pressing for an equalizer, Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post, and despite some tense moments, PSV held firm in the second period of extra time to seal a memorable victory.
“It was an unforgettable evening,” said match-winner Flamingo. The defeat marked a tough play-off phase for Italian clubs, with AC Milan eliminated by Feyenoord and Atalanta falling to Club Brugge.
The Dutch champions’ hard-fought triumph ensures their place in the next round of Europe’s premier competition, with PSV fans now eagerly anticipating their next challenge.
AFP
