PSV won at home against Sturm Graz. The three important points put the team second in the Europa League pool. Getting a point against Real Sociedad is now enough to advance in this competition.
Three important points
To advance in the Europa League, a victory over Sturm Graz was needed. Outside the empty Philips Stadium, fans made themselves heard with fireworks. From the first minute, PSV was in control, but Sturm Graz put a wall in front of the goal. Still, it didn't take long for the first Eindhoven chance to come. Carlos Vinícius almost headed in the opening goal after a Mario Götze cross. The German was later found by Ritsu Doan with a clever cross, but failed to shoot.
At the stroke of halftime
Sturm Graz hardly got into football, but the Austrians also gave away little space. Phillipp Mwene almost managed to break through after a clever pass from Doan, but his cross did not arrive. Bruma tried again with a shot that graced over the goal. The Portuguese came very close to the opening goal after a combination with Vinícius, it was a matter of laying the ball ready for the nick, but the final pass failed. Finally, the Brazilian did get his goal on the stroke of half-time. Götze was able to take over the ball after Sturm Graz fumbled and was floored. Vinícius was allowed to take the penalty kick and did not fail. Half-time score: 1-0.
Space
In the second half, there was more space. Just after the whistle, Mwene already threw an excellent cross into the sixteen-meter area. However, Götze headed the ball just wide of the goal. There was a lot more momentum in the game. After the opening goal, Sturm Graz started to play more offensively, creating more space in the Austrian defense. The first to exploit this space was Bruma. After a very clever pass from Doan, the Portuguese shot sharply. A comfortable 2-0 lead early in the second half.
Job done
The expanded lead allowed PSV to play freely. Sturm Graz did not play football anymore and the 3-0 was in the air. Substitute Yorbe Vertessen came close twice. First with a shot that went just wide of the goal, then he found the net, but was flagged for offside. In the closing stages there was a special moment for Jeremy Antonisse. The striker, who normally plays for Young PSV, was allowed to make his debut in the Europa League. He eagerly went in search of his first goal in the first, but there was not enough time. PSV took three important points at home. With this, the team climbs to second place in the pool. If PSV takes at least one point against Real Sociedad, the Europa League adventure continues. If not, participation in the Conference League awaits.
