PSV defeated FC Zurich on Thursday evening with little effort. Just like a week earlier in Switzerland, the game had already been decided before half-time. Due to the victory, the Eindhoven club is still active in the Europa League after the winter break. The only question is in which tournament.
Ruud van Nistelrooij indicated at the press conference on Wednesday afternoon that he did not expect the same match as last Thursday when PSV easily beat FC Zurich. The trainer was wrong. Once again, the Eindhoven team already managed to decide the game before the break.
Less than 15 minutes had been played and PSV was already leading 2-0. Erick Gutiérrez and Joey Veerman were responsible for the two Eindhoven goals. After about 35 minutes it was already 3-0 via Ibrahim Sangaré.
PSV didn’t even play world class yet, but just like a week earlier, they had nothing to fear from the opponent. Zurich, Switzerland, was very weak and could do little in the Philips Stadium.
Away supporters don’t miss anything
It soon became clear that PSV was going to win. What happened outside the stadium was perhaps more exciting. In the afternoon there were disturbances in the center of Eindhoven by supporters of FC Zurich. They were escorted to the stadium by the police but decided to go home. 1,700 people have only seen the stadium from the outside.
In retrospect that might have been better for them, because inside it was not exactly enjoying what the Swiss showed. An average club from the First Division would still have a good chance of winning against this team.
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European wintering
PSV was able to give players a rest after the break. That’s why Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo, among others, stayed behind in the dressing room. They could focus on the home match against FC Utrecht next Sunday. Joey Veerman took care of the 4-0 after the break. Substitute Anwar El Ghazi put the 5-0 final score on the scoreboard.
After the victory over FC Zurich, the Eindhoven club knows that it is still active in Europe after the World Cup and the winter break. The question remains in which tournament. There is a good chance that this will become clear in the last round of play. Then PSV will visit Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegians are now three points behind PSV, but still have to face the weak Swiss. The Eindhoven club still has to face top favorite and number one in the group Arsenal twice before the trip to the far north awaits.
If PSV manage to keep Bodo/Glimt behind, the Europa League awaits after the winter break. If that doesn’t work, the Conference League will remain just like last season.
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