PSV finished Group E as number one. The team won convincingly against Omonia Nicosia and saw Granada CF fail to win against PAOK.
Virtual frontrunner
At the Philips Stadium it soon became clear that there was more at stake for PSV than honor, coefficient points and the win premium. Competitor for first place in Group E Granada CF remained scoreless against PAOK for a long time, so a win would have been enough for the team to take the lead. After the first half, PSV took the virtual lead and deservedly so, given the pattern of the game.
Domper Ledezma, tandem Malen-Max worth gold again
Roger Schmidt gave a number of talents a chance against the Cypriots, who last week helped PSV qualify for the knockout phase after only five games. For one of those talents, it did not turn out to be a pleasant evening. Richard Ledezma was forced to retire after only 15 minutes with what appeared to be a nasty injury. His replacement Adrian Fein saw compatriot Phillip Max provide Donyell Malen with a tailored service after about 35 minutes. His fifth goal in the Europa League was enough for the 1-0 halftime score.
Dumfries exploits penalty kick
The successful duo, like Pablo Rosario, were substituted at halftime and with replacements Olivier Boscagli, Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangaré in their positions, PSV soon ran out to 2-0. Captain Denzel Dumfries was brought down in the Omonia penalty area after an hour of play, claimed the penalty kick himself and took it. His fellow captain Jordi Gomez was also awarded a penalty from eleven meters after unfortunate hands by Nick Viergever, but his effort went wide of the wrong side of the post.
Double-stroke Piroe
PSV was thus spared an exciting final phase. Via Joël Piroe, who played the entire match, they even made it 4-0. In injury time, the striker surprised goalkeeper Fabiano first with a shot into the short corner and a minute later again, but this time with a shot against the wall. Then the news reached Eindhoven that Granada CF failed to win at PAOK.
