PSV held by Shakhtar despite Dest’s rapid response at Philips Stadion
PSV Eindhoven opened their fourth consecutive Champions League campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Philips Stadion, extending their poor record in the competition’s league phase.
PSV have now failed to win nine of their last 11 group-stage or league-phase matches in the Champions League, drawing four and losing five. Shakhtar, back in the competition after a season away, will likely be happier with the point after standing up well to early pressure in Eindhoven.
Match highlight
PSV arrived full of confidence after beating Ajax 3-1 in the Eredivisie. Peter Bosz’s side started as expected, taking the initiative and pushing Shakhtar back.
Ivan Perisic had the first real effort, striking powerfully over the bar. Kodai Sano then tried his luck from distance on his Champions League debut, but his shot lacked the accuracy needed to beat Dmytro Riznyk.
Shakhtar gradually settled. As the first half went on, Arda Turan’s side became more comfortable in possession and began to find space on the counterattack.
They took the lead in first-half stoppage time in a moment that left the PSV crowd furious.
Marlon Gomes challenged Sergino Dest near the centre circle, with Dest left on the ground after the tackle. While the PSV defender remained down, Gleiker Mendoza collected the ball in the vacant right-back area. The forward cut inside and curled a fine finish into the far corner.
PSV wanted a foul on Dest, but VAR ruled that Marlon had won the ball before making contact in the sliding challenge. The goal stood, and Mendoza celebrated a goal on his Champions League debut.
Dest clearly felt wronged, but he responded in the best possible way after the break.
Only three minutes into the second half, Armando Obispo found Dest with a well-timed pass. The United States international turned cleverly, created space and finished past the static Riznyk to make it 1-1.
The equaliser lifted the stadium. PSV nearly completed the turnaround soon after when Ruben van Bommel hit a powerful effort narrowly wide of Riznyk’s post.
But PSV’s push for a winner lost some intensity as the match progressed. Shakhtar had a few half-chances late on, while PSV could not create the clear opening needed to break the deadlock again.
The final whistle confirmed a point apiece. PSV remain unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, with four wins and two draws, but they will feel they missed a chance to take control of their Champions League start at home.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, showed they can compete after their year away from the tournament. Mendoza’s debut goal gave them the lead, and their defensive work in the closing stages earned them a result in Eindhoven.
