After six wins in a row, PSV lost for the first time this season. With 2-1, Benfica was a size too big. Such a small margin that there are still chances in the return in Eindhoven.
Lag
The record champion of Portugal was a bold opponent for PSV. In the opening stages, the home side gave up little control. Still, Benfica was kept well on edge, partly due to danger from backs Phillipp Mwene and Philipp Max. However, the first goal was for the Portuguese. A Benfica combination could not be kept out. Even Joël Drommel could not save anymore. For the first time this season, PSV faced a deficit. PSV looked for space in the transition, where spaces were regularly found. After a dribble by Noni Madueke, the ball came to Mario Götze, who crossed to Cody Gakpo. It was not easy for the home team's defense, but the danger could be averted.
Chances, but no result
A bigger lead seemed to be in the making for Benfica for a moment, but Drommel managed to stop the action with good insight. The equalizer almost came in the name of Eran Zahavi. With a very fine shot he managed to find the net, but his goal was cancelled for offside. After a low cross, the Israeli came close again, but his attempt was turned away. Gakpo also took a worthy shot at the Portuguese goalkeeper. After the opening goal, most of the chances were for PSV, but the home side fought back. First Drommel was tested with a shot from distance, which the goalkeeper cleverly turned away. Soon after, however, the ball was in the net after Benfica scored from a corner. Two goals to make up for in the second half.
Connection
Just minutes after the start signal of the second half, PSV was already looking for danger. First it was Marco van Ginkel who was able to head on goal after a clever cross from Götze. Then it was Zahavi who made an attempt from distance, which was also keepable for the Benfica goalkeeper. The tying goal was in the air and it was Gakpo who scored it. The striker looked for space himself and was able to cleverly surprise the goalkeeper from distance. The Eindhoven native was well in the game, and proved it with a nice cross to Götze. The German got into a very dangerous position but could not control the ball.
Gas at
PSV continued to give gas. Where in the first half the success was for Benfica, the visitors kept the supremacy in the second half. Through blazing play from Gakpo, dangerous passes from Götze and shots from Zahavi, Benfica had to fear an equalizer. In the closing minutes came another fine moment from the substitutes. Bruma delivered a clever cross to Yorbe Vertessen, who was just a toe length short of shooting. In the second half, the Portuguese were overwhelmed by the Eindhoven combinations. However, it was not enough to force the equalizer. A minimal margin for Benfica, so PSV still has plenty to play for in Eindhoven.
