At Philips Stadium, PSV won its first ever UEFA Conference League match. Maccabi Tel Aviv was beaten 1-0 by a goal from Gakpo. Next week follows the return game in Israel.
Debut
For the first time, a UEFA Conference League match took place at the Philips Stadium. PSV competed for a memorable debut in this competition. After ten minutes, PSV was allowed to credit its very first Conference League goal, thanks to Cody Gakpo. The striker combined very quickly with Mauro JR, cut inside and managed to surprise Maccabi goalkeeper Peretz in the short corner. A few minutes later, the goalkeeper did have an answer, this time to a fierce header from Madueke. The game started quietly but after the goal PSV managed to find some more space.
Threat
The supremacy was in Eindhoven's hands in the first phase. From a corner kick Erick Gutiérrez was awarded a good ball, he headed fiercely at goal but again the effort was caught. On the right flank the constant threat of Noni Madueke prevailed. Maccabi Tel Aviv had a tough job stopping him. After a foul on the Englishman, Eran Zahavi took the free kick. His effort was dangerous, but graced just over the goal. There was no further rebuttal from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite staying with the one goal, the first half was a dominant phase by PSV.
Different tactics
PSV started the second half with a tactical change. Ritsu Doan came into the field for Phillipp Mwene, with that Gutiérrez shifted to defense, Max took back his place at left back and the right-back position went to Mauro JR. The team kept the momentum in the game to quickly grab the second goal. For example, Madueke made a good attempt. The Englishman received a good pass from Gakpo and played past his direct opponent. However, his shot ended up in the side netting. Almost the lead seemed to fall in unexpected ways. Gakpo was well put away by Max and crossed from the back line. Via a Maccabi player the ball almost bounced into his own goal, but the Israeli team got away with it.
Win
In the last half hour the visitors tried to force something. Several crosses flew towards Joël Drommel's goal, but the goalkeeper held his own. PSV used the speed of substitute Yorbe Vertessen as an important weapon. The fast Belgian regularly found space between the defenders. In the closing minutes, he almost grabbed his goal after a tight cross from Joey Veerman. Gakpo also delivered a cross to the striker's head, but to no avail. It remained with the one goal and PSV won its first-ever UEFA Conference League game.
