The first eight-final match between PSV and Atlético Madrid ended in a scoreless draw. This keeps PSV's chance of a quarterfinal place in the UEFA Champions League alive. Coach Phillip Cocu's team played a large part of the second half with ten men, after Gastón Pereiro was red, but held their ground while fighting.
Zoet and Bruma keep PSV on their toes
In a particularly atmospheric Philips Stadium, chances were scarce in the first half. Both teams bit firmly into each other and tried to distribute the game from the backline. The few opportunities that did exist were mostly for the visitors. In the fourth minute, for example, Vietto already passed goalkeeper Zoet, but Bruma saved on the line and around the half-hour mark Griezmann escaped the offside trap, but Zoet kept PSV on their feet with a fine save. Not too long after that came the first serious danger from Cocu's team. With a clever pass, Pröpper, who was playing strongly, combined with Pereiro to create space for a shot, which could be turned away by goalkeeper Oblak. Then a scrimmage ensued in which successively Pereiro, Locadia and Willems were unable to pass the defenders who had now rushed over.
With these eleven, including Andrés Guardado, PSV started the Champions League match with Atlético | © Pics United
Red Pereiro, PSV fights and holds
So both teams started the second half without goals. A half in which the visitors took firm control of the game. Coach Simeone's team pushed PSV far back in their own half, but did so initially without creating any major chances. Nevertheless, in the 62nd minute, the Madrilenians seemed to take the lead. Godín nodded a corner kick into the far corner behind Zoet. However, referee Orsato disallowed the goal because the Uruguayan leaned on Moreno in his attempt. Six minutes later, PSV was still dealt a serious blow. Pereiro received his second yellow card after swinging his arm, which meant that Cocu's team had to continue the last twenty minutes with one man less. Cocu had earlier brought on Isimat as an extra defender and responded to the red card by gambling on Lestienne's speed in the closing stages. The Belgian, who came on for Locadia five minutes before time, almost scored the winning goal, but a draw without goals against proved to be the maximum possible.
Jürgen Locadia played a strong match at home | © Pics United