PSV is among the last 16 participants in the UEFA Conference League. A draw was enough to advance at the expense of Maccabi Tel Aviv. 1-1 was the final score in Israel.
Breaking through the wall
At Bloomfield Stadium, home of Maccabi Tel Aviv, PSV played to reach the next round of the Conference League. About 30,000 supporters filled the seats, partly to support their club and partly to see Eran Zahavi in the flesh again. The striker is a big name in his home country. In a somewhat messy opening phase, there was some space for the home team. PSV quickly took control and further directed the game. However, it was not easy to break through Maccabi Tel Aviv's defensive wall.
PSV put on
PSV got into a better rhythm after a while. Through crosses by Philipp Max and Ritsu Doan, among others, it became dangerous in front of Maccabi goalkeeper Peretz's goal. Mario Götze also brought the necessary threat. A cross from the German to Noni Madueke almost brought the opening goal. Soon after, the Englishman showed what he does best. He played past his direct opponents in very nice fashion, but he just failed to pass Peretz. A feast for the eyes that deserved a better ending. In this phase, PSV was the dominant team while the Israeli opponent did not really get to play. However, the opening goal was yet to come.
Keeping calm
The tie was enough to reach the next round, but a goal could bring some calm. After about an hour of play, an unusual situation occurred. The game was stopped after objects were thrown onto the field. After a five-minute interlude, the ball rolled again. Shortly after, the game plan was changed with a double substitution. Carlos Vinícius and Bruma came into the lines. The former quickly showed himself with an excellent cross to Madueke. The Englishman was very close to a goal, but an Israeli foot narrowly tapped the effort away. Once again, PSV was in control, but the final blow did not materialize.
Next round
It was exciting until the last quarter of an hour. A goal by PSV could lock up the match, a goal by Maccabi could lead to an extension. Fortunately, the former situation occurred. Substitute Yorbe Vertessen came into the lines for Madueke and within minutes he made himself important. The Belgian took a strong shot from distance. His shot changed direction and ended up in the net. The opponent did not let up. In injury time, the Israeli's equalizer fell. Tension returned for a few minutes, but PSV's goal was out of reach. For ninety minutes it was exciting and PSV drew the longest. The next round of the Conference League was reached.
