PSV took a big step towards the Champions League playoffs at home. In a spectacular match they won 3-0 over Danish FC Midtjylland.
Shelf gas
PSV started the match with the gas pedal hard pressed. With a high tempo and many ball conquests, the style of play was similar to the previous duels against Galatasaray SK. This immediately produced chances through quick combinations between Mario Götze and Eran Zahavi. Refined dribbling by Noni Madueke and Cody Gakpo also regularly put PSV in a threatening position. When the Danish opponent came to the ball, under PSV's great pressure, it was often a matter of time before it was lost to a player in the red and white. Accordingly, the first shot on goal came from captain Marco van Ginkel. But the effort was keepable for Midtjylland goalkeeper Jonas Lössl.
Whirlwind of goals
With eighteen minutes on the clock, it was Madueke who rewarded PSV's hard work. After a fine combination, the ball came to the Englishman. After accelerating, he curled the ball unparalleled into the far corner. Lössl was hopeless and the lead was on the scoreboard. PSV kept chasing and that could be seen in the performance. After a rough half hour of play, the score had already tripled. First it was Mario Götze who saw his shot disappear into the goal via a Danish leg. While the cry of "Super Mario" was still echoing en masse through the Philips Stadium, it was already hit again. After a great combination, Götze crossed to Zahavi, who passed the ball behind his own leg to Gakpo for the 3-0.
Chances keep coming
A three goal lead did not seem to be enough for PSV, as they fought just as hard in the second half. Shortly after the kickoff of the final act, there were already two great chances. First Zahavi, who himself set up the combination with Götze and Madueke. The striker came close but ended up a toe length short of tapping in the Englishman's cross. Then it was again the captain who pounced on Lössl with a shot from an awkward angle. Ibrahim Sangaré proved himself as a force in midfield. With a clever interception, he put Madueke in position, who just failed to reach a cross. Gakpo also showed where his talents lay. The striker found himself in a sprint duel against two FC Midtjylland defenders. The lightning-fast striker was unstoppable for the Danes, but it just did not yield a goal.
Ruthless end
In the closing stages, the lead was almost increased by Götze and Zahavi. Both had enormous shooting chances, but the finishing just fell short. The Danes showed their desire to limit the damage. The visitors did not create any major chances. PSV's rearguard will therefore look back on a good match. Joël Drommel can credit himself with a clean sheet, which is also a crowning achievement for Armando Obispo. The defender made his debut in European football and can look back on a good match. With a wide lead, PSV will face the return in Denmark next week.
