PSV started the hunt for a Champions League ticket with a draw on Tuesday evening. The Eindhoven team gave away a lead in the final phase on a visit to AS Monaco: 1-1.
Joey Veerman opened the score for PSV in the final phase of the first half after the midfielder was the end station of a nice attack. It took until the eightieth minute for the home team to equalize via Axel Disasi.
PSV, which on Saturday was still 3-5 too strong for Ajax in the battle for the Johan Cruijff Scale, made a good impression, especially in the first half. After the break, Monaco set the tone and forced a deserved equalizer in the final phase.
In the 88th minute, Monaco also hit the post and PSV escaped defeat. Myron Boadu was missing from the home team. The former AZ striker is recovering from a foot injury.
PSV hopes to reach the play-offs for a place in a group stage of the Champions League at the expense of Monaco. If it also survives the return in Eindhoven next Tuesday, a diptych with Rangers FC or Union Sint-Gillis awaits. In the Eredivisie, the PSV competition starts on Saturday with a home match against FC Emmen.
Joey Veerman gave PSV the lead just before half-time on a pass from Luuk de Jong.
Joey Veerman gave PSV the lead just before half-time on a pass from Luuk de Jong. Photo: AP
Van Nistelrooij grants Saibari base place
Van Nistelrooij had changed his team in two places compared to the Johan Cruijff Scale. Philipp Mwene was fit again after an injury against Monaco to participate from the start. The right defender took the place of Ki-Jana Hoever. In the front right, Ismael Saibari was preferred over Johan Bakayoko after a good substitute.
PSV had control of the match before half-time. The cup winner got the first chance halfway through the first half. Joey Veerman shot wide from position.
Monaco became dangerous for the first time after more than half an hour. After Ibrahim Sangaré got the ball against his hand after a hard shot, referee Davide Massa went back to see if he should give a penalty. He ruled that there was no question of deliberate handing.
After the break, PSV made a tired impression in Monaco.
After the break, PSV made a tired impression in Monaco. Photo: AP
PSV escape defeat in the final phase
PSV was successful a little later. Luuk de Jong shielded the ball well in the 38th minute and enabled Veerman to shoot from the edge of the sixteen-meter area. The Volendammer did that, with the left, with success: 0-1.
In the second half, the game was more open and PSV also gave away opportunities. Japan’s Takumi Minamino simply walked away from Philipp Max in the 49th minute, but he was unable to score. Guus Til missed a great opportunity for PSV three minutes later.
PSV saw Max and Ibrahim Sangaré drop out and looked tired in the final phase. Saibari shot just wide fifteen minutes before the end. Monaco was accurate in the eightieth minute. After a free kick, defender Disasi got the ball at his feet and he shot in from close range. Monaco was still close to victory after that, with a ball against the post.