ResumePSV did what it had to do and defeated Sturm Graz 2-0. With that victory, Roger Schmidt’s team is on course to continue in the Europa League, also because Real Sociedad lost 2-1 at AS Monaco.
By Chris Ottens
With one brilliant idea, Mario Götze was at the basis of PSV’s much desired lead against Sturm Graz. In the 44th minute, the German playmaker took advantage of a mistake in the defense of the almost eliminated Austrian team; Götze cleverly fell over goalkeeper Jörg Siebenhandl’s leg and saw the arbiter point inexorably to the penalty spot.
Carlos Vinícius applied for that opportunity and PSV shot at 1-0. That lead was also justified. PSV, which played in the same line-up as against Vitesse, dominated the game from the start, but lacked depth in the game to create really big opportunities. Vinicius was the closest with a header and a shot chance, only his visor was not yet sharp.
Comfort
The Brazilian still scored on the stroke of half-time, although it was close to whether Siebenhandl had saved the penalty. The 1-0 halftime score gave PSV some comfort in the second half.
That turned out to be the case, in that second half PSV quickly made the difference against the weak Sturm. After Götze nodded the ball just wide, it was hit a little later. Thanks to a fine ball from Ritsu Doan, who already combined nicely with Götze, Armindo Bruma was able to reach the goal alone and made it 2-0.
Squatter in San Sebastian
With that, the loot was in for PSV, which now finishes at least third in the Europa League group and spends the winter in Europe. That third place is good for an intermediate round in the Conference League, but PSV is currently on course to continue in the Europa League. Due to the loss of Real Sociedad at Monaco (2-1) everything comes down to the last game in San Sebastian in two weeks. PSV has enough of a draw. The group win is out of sight and for Monaco.
Do you want to relive the match? Read the live blog below:
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
#PSV #await #squatter #San #Sebastian #simple #win #Sturm #Graz