PSV did themselves a disservice in Greece. After a solid first half, Head Coach Roger Schmidt's team completely gave the game away within twenty minutes after halftime.
Rosario
PSV started the game with PAOK with Pablo Rosario in midfield. The vice captain, who returned from a Corona absences, played 45 minutes for the team that played very solidly in large parts of the first half. Before halftime, PSV barely even had anything to fear from the home club. Mainly because of their own play, which perhaps should have yielded more than the 1-0 lead at half-time.
Zahavi once again hits from eleven yards
Indeed, after a penalty kick by Eran Zahavi, resulting from a foul on Donyell Malen, PSV could have extended the lead. The aforementioned striker duo had the chance for 0-2 in the final minutes of the first half. Zahavi was allowed to go at goalkeeper Zivkovic alone, Malen had an opportunity with the head a little later. Both missed.
Giving away
To better combat PSV, PAOK brought in two fresh forces at the beginning of the second half and the confusion that caused soon led to the equalizer. PAOK attacker Zivkovic reintroduced a deflected free kick and saw Schwab give the decisive touch: 1-1. After that, PSV gave it away quickly. In the 55th minute, Zivkovic himself made it 2-1 and even before the hour, substitute Tzolis signed for 3-1.
Salt in the wound
PAOK then took advantage once more of PSV's drained forces, which was forced to substitute Mohamed Ihattaren and Ryan Thomas on the hour. Once again, Zivkovic was the goal scorer. After three consecutive weeks with European duels, there is no European football in the next three weeks. On Thursday, Nov. 26, PSV hosts PAOK at Philips Stadium. Then the team has to overcome a two-point deficit in the group. PAOK has five after three games, PSV three.
