It was almost a typical UEFA Champions League night at the Philips Stadium: lots of chances, fierce duels and a wonderful atmosphere, but unfortunately no points. PSV started excellently, but failed to extend the early lead. Atletico Madrid took advantage and took the three points to Spain.
The evening started so promisingly. Guus Til opened the scoring early on after excellent preparatory work by Joey Veerman, who sent Couhaib Driouech into the depths with a splitting pass. Couhaib thus delivered his fourth assist of this season, and his second in the UEFA Champions League. For Guus, it marked his second European goal of the season and his 12th goal overall. Remarkably, he had not scored in a European context before until Liverpool away, but now he struck the goal for the second game in a row. Moreover, Guus is the first PSV player to score in the Philips Stadium against Atletico Madrid in a European match. In the previous three encounters nobody managed to do that.
Invaders again of value
As in previous matches, the invaders played an important role. Ivan Perišić was not even three minutes into the game when he delivered his first UCL assist for PSV, good for the tying goal. Ricardo Pepi finished it off: his goal marked his third European goal this season as well as his third consecutive UEFA Champions League game in which he scored.
Small successes
Although the points did not materialize, there were some nice milestones. Mauro Júnior played his 40th European match and coach Peter Bosz was at the helm in a European game for the 30th time. In addition, PSV has now hit 12 European games in a row and even the 19th European home game in which PSV managed to score.
Last two matches in the group stage
In the last two matches of the group stage, PSV awaits a tough double confrontation. On Jan. 21, the team plays Newcastle United at home, followed by the home game against Bayern Munich on Jan. 28 at the Philips Stadium.