PSV qualified for the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night. On a wildly exciting evening, the team won 0-1 against Granada, while rival PAOK went down in Cyprus.
Intentions
After the many changes last weekend, Roger Schmidt fell back Thursday night to the formation with which he regularly impressed in the weeks before. With that, PSV's intentions were clear even before kickoff. The team wanted to win and visibly chose to attack in Estádio Nuevo Los Cármenes. After twenty minutes of pressure, that yielded a first big chance.
Reward for good play
Donyell Malen was chest-fed by Cody Gakpo and then shot just wide of the wrong side of the post. The miss inspired PSV to do more and the reward followed in the 38th minute. In fine fashion, moreover. With a pass through the heart of the Spanish defense, Olivier Boscagli enabled left back Philipp Max to cross the ball, who served Malen at his beck and call after a strong run: 0-1.
Under pressure
Ten minutes into the second half, Denzel Dumfries had the 0-2 on his shoe. The captain was served by Mario Götze, who dribbled past four Granada players. Dumfries' effort, however, was narrowly turned away by goalkeeper Rui Silva. The save inspired the home side, who stepped up their game and put PSV under a lot of pressure on the hour mark.
Fighting spirit
Thanks in part to good goalkeeping by Yvon Mvogo and some luck here and there, PSV was spared a goal. At the same time, the realization dawned on the team that they could secure a place in the winter after reports of Omonia Nicosia's lead against PAOK. It sparked extra fighting spirit, with which PSV pulled off the win. Because Omonia did not give away the win in Cyprus, the final round of play no longer matters.
Standings in Group E
Granada: 5-10
PSV: 5-9
PAOK: 5-5
Omonia Nicosia: 5-4