PSV again failed to reach the group stage of the Champions League. Things went horribly wrong at home. A big mistake by defender André Ramalho led to a 0-1 loss to Rangers FC and that was deadly after the 2-2 draw in Scotland.
It was of all people André Ramalho who said at the press conference on Tuesday that a little tension in the legs was needed to perform. But it was also the same Brazilian who made a huge blunder after exactly an hour of play.
Until that moment, PSV and Rangers FC were evenly matched. Both teams had great opportunities, but there were no goals yet.
Opportunities both ways
After a restless start, the Scots seemed to be getting into the game better. They were close to the opening goal after 25 minutes, but John Lundstram’s shot went just wide. After this chance for Rangers, the people of Eindhoven woke up.
Ruud van Nistelrooij’s team grew in the match and had two chances just before half-time. Luuk de Jong was unable to give a pass enough direction and ran into the goalkeeper. Cody Gakpo got the ball face to face with the goalkeeper not between the posts.
Critical Mistake
The second half started with a big setback for the home team. Captain and attack leader Luuk de Jong was injured and did not return to the field. Van Nistelrooij had to switch from plan A and B to C. That plan was with Ismael Saibari in the striker and Xavi Simons from the flank.
After fifteen minutes in the second half, a second setback came on top of that, and what a one. A blunder by Ramalho led to the 0-1 for Rangers. A hit that could cost PSV 35 million euros.
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A disaster
PSV was sloppy after the goal against and the game level dropped to a dubious level. Hopes were pinned on Cody Gakpo. The left winger would like to make a transfer, but he has been invisible in recent weeks. In the 73rd minute, the Eindhovener had a great chance, but he shot straight at the Scottish goalkeeper.
The public was getting more and more annoyed. Van Nistelrooij brought in two strong players with Guus Til and Carlos Vnícius and hoped to be able to force something in this way. Everything was done to reach the million-dollar ball again for the first time since 2018.
But there were no real chances anymore. PSV lose the diptych with Rangers due to two gigantic blunders. Benítez also made a mistake in Scotland. PSV may have received too little in two games against the team of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but with such blunders it may no longer be deserved. Again, no Champions League football will be played in Eindhoven this season. A financial and sporting disaster for the club.