PSV’s Dramatic Extra-Time Win Over Juventus Secures Champions League Last 16 Berth
In a captivating Champions League play-off match on February 19th, Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven battled to a 3-1 extra-time victory over Juventus, securing a 4-3 aggregate win and advancing to the Round of 16.
PSV’s Early Dominance and First Half Stalemate
Fueled by a boisterous home crowd at the Philips Stadion, PSV started energetically, putting pressure on the Juventus defense. The hosts dominated possession and won 50/50 challenges, yet the first half concluded goalless. PSV struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities, while Juventus seemed content to defend their 2-1 first-leg lead from Turin.
PSV’s Comeback and Weah’s Counter-Punch
PSV initiated the second half with renewed urgency, and in the 53rd minute, they leveled the aggregate score. Winger Noa Lang skillfully evaded two Juventus defenders and delivered a precise pass to veteran Croatian striker Ivan Perisic, who controlled the ball masterfully and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.
PSV maintained control of the game, with Lang’s curler narrowly missing the post and Luuk de Jong’s header being cleared off the line. However, against the run of play, Juventus regained the aggregate lead through a fantastic strike from Timothy Weah. Weah’s powerful low shot from outside the penalty area beat PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
Saibari’s Equalizer and Flamingo’s Extra-Time Winner
Undeterred, PSV continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to smash the ball into the top corner, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. In the dying minutes of regulation time, PSV had several agonizing chances to clinch the match, with Lang notably denied by a crucial save from goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Early in extra time, Saibari missed a clear opportunity to take the lead, scuffing his shot wide when through on goal. But PSV finally broke through when Ryan Flamingo reacted quickest to capitalize on confusion in the Juventus defense and poked the ball home from close range. Now it was Juventus’ turn to attack, and Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post. PSV’s faithful fans endured a tense second period of extra time, but their defense held firm, sealing a memorable night in Eindhoven.
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