Two moments after halftime were enough for VfL Wolfsburg to hand PSV a 2-0 defeat. Coach Phillip Cocu's team certainly did not play poorly before halftime, but could not convert the chances into goals and saw Wolfsburg pass them in the Pool B rankings.
Concentrated PSV forgets reward
After a mediocre start, in which Hendrix and Zoet prevented an early German lead, PSV played strong in the first half. The team looked focused and even took the initiative in the Wolfsburg Arena after 15 minutes. Cocu's team, which had fielded Hendrix, Guardado, Pröpper and Maher for tactical reasons, had the best chance to give either team the lead before halftime. A measured cross from Poulsen landed on the head of the midfielder, who headed just wide. Just before that, PSV could have been awarded a penalty, but referee Mallenco did not award the ball after hands by Naldo. The best chance at the other end was for Dutch striker Dost, but he shot far wide.
PSV does not overcome setbacks
Immediately after halftime, the good play before the break was forgotten. Already in the first minute after halftime Dost put the home team ahead via a rebound. Zoet could first save, but was unable to keep Narsingh's former teammate from scoring: 1-0. Ten minutes later, Wolfsburg's second goal was on the scoreboard. Kruse was able to head in after a good run and made it 2-0. That was the final blow for Cocu's team. The debut of Jordy de Wijs was remarkable. The homegrown defender came on for Poulsen fifteen minutes before time, but he too was unable to prevent defeat. Locadia missed a penalty kick in injury time.
PSV fourth in pool
Exactly halfway through the group stage, PSV is now in fourth place. However, with three points from three matches, anything is still possible in a group where Wolfsburg is at the top with six points from three games. United and CSKA follow through the 1-1 draw in Moscow with four points.