EINDHOVEN, Netherlands โ PSV Eindhoven expressed its gratitude towards its American players following an intense Champions League match on Wednesday.
The team found itself in a challenging position, trailing 2-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk as the clock ticked down to the 87th minute. Just when it appeared that a comeback was nearly impossible, PSVโs American talents sprang into action. Malik Tillman initiated the comeback with a clever free kick taken from a wide position, catching Shakhtarโs goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk off guard as he scrambled to cover his near post.
Only three minutes later, Tillman struck again, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that equalized the score. With renewed determination, PSV pressed for the winning goal. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Ricardo Pepi, another US international, capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, calmly guiding it into an empty net.
โIt was absolute chaos when we scored the winner โ everyone was jumping on each other, our bench exploded, and our fans were ecstatic,โ shared Ryan Flamingo from PSV. โExperiencing that kind of excitement in a Champions League match is truly unforgettable,โ added the Dutch defender.
This thrilling comeback propelled PSV up six spots in the 36-team standings, placing them 18th, right above prestigious teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, and their domestic rivals, Feyenoord. They are currently just shy of Manchester City on goal difference. The top 24 teams will advance to the knockout rounds after three more matches completed by the end of January.
However, Tillman remained grounded despite the dramatic victory over the Ukrainian champions. โWe didnโt perform up to our usual standards. Itโs important for us to be honest about it,โ he remarked.
In the first half, PSV conceded two goals, and the momentum shifted following a red card given to Shakhtarโs Pedro Henrique for a foul in the 69th minute. โWhile I believe the red card was warranted, even though it wasnโt intentional, I question whether we would have claimed victory without it,โ acknowledged PSVโs coach, Peter Bosz.
Looking ahead, PSV will face challenges on the road for the next two matchups, first visiting the French team Brest on December 10, followed by a clash with Red Star Belgrade on January 21โa notable duel featuring the 1991 European Cup champion hosting the 1988 winner. PSV will then conclude its group stage on January 29 against Liverpool, the current leaders and the only side boasting five consecutive wins.