PSV is in the quiver and still active in the KNVB Cup after the winter break. At De Vijverberg the cup game with De Graafschap was won after the break: 1-2.
Scanning
PSV started the cup game with a four-position change from last Sunday. In the opening phase, both teams created little and it was more a matter of probing. PSV got no further than a few pinpricks from Timo Baumgartl, Mo Ihattaren and Cody Gakpo. De Graafschap defended fiercely and retreated to their own half when PSV had possession of the ball. On the half-hour mark, the Achterhoekers seemed to take the lead, but the linesman - in the absence of VAR - put a stop to that.
PSV urges
The pinpricks became chances after half an hour. PSV made themselves heard more and the team was frequently in front of De Graafschap goalkeeper Rody de Boer's goal. Despite a classic scrimmage, a volley by Ibrahim Sangaré, a header by Denzel Dumfries and a lob by Donyell Malen, PSV failed to convert the chances before tea.
Ban broken
Something that did succeed shortly after halftime. Dumfries was tapped in the penalty area and referee Van den Kerkhof resolutely pointed to the spot. Once again, PSV changed penalty takers. This time it was Philipp Max, who was given the go-ahead for the second time this season. He did not fail from eleven meters and put PSV in the lead.
Malen surprised friend and foe
For a moment the game seemed to go out like a candle. PSV kept it tight at the back and the other way around, Roger Schmidt's men got no further than a few teases. Until Malen shot the ball into the top corner in 84 minutes, in truly magnificent fashion from around 40 meters. PSV thought they had won the game, but De Graafschap scored the tying goal via the ball. The Achterhoekers did not get any further than that, so PSV continues the cup.