PSV has acquired a good starting position for qualification for the Champions League on Tuesday. Despite a goalkeeper blunder, the Eindhoven team drew 2-2 against the Rangers FC of trainer Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow, which means that a victory in the return is sufficient for participation in the main tournament.
PSV opened the score in the 37th minute via Ibrahim Sangaré in the Ibrox Stadium, but Ruud van Nistelrooij’s team could not enjoy the lead for long. Rangers equalized three minutes later via Antonio Colak.
After Ismael Saibari had destroyed three big chances, PSV fell behind due to a blunder by Walter Benítez. He let a free kick slip through his fingers. That mistake was not fatal to PSV, however: Armando Obispo gave PSV the 2-2 score with a nice header from a corner kick in the final quarter.
The return is next Wednesday in the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven. Because away goals no longer count since last season, PSV must win to be sure of Champions League participation. A draw without too many goals, as in the past, is no longer enough. If there is a tie after 90 minutes, there will be extra time.
When placed for the million-dollar ball, PSV will receive at least 35 million euros in start-up and marketing premiums. The Brabanters last participated in the Champions League in 2018. As champion, Ajax has already qualified for the most important club tournament in Europe.
PSV lead quickly brushed away
With Joey Veerman and André Ramalho in the base, PSV started the game in the atmospheric Ibrox Stadium, which was completely sold out for the important confrontation in the Champions League. The visitors let Rangers make the game and hoped to strike in the counterpunch.
However, there were no chances for PSV for a long time, although after two minutes of play it almost hit the mark for the Eindhoven team. Luuk de Jong appeared free with a cross from Veerman and the striker’s effort went just over the goal of Rangers keeper Jon McLaughlin.
Rangers then took over the initiative, but the home team also rarely came up with great opportunities. Both teams turned it into a riveting battle in Glasgow, with Italian referee Daniele Orsato being tested several times.
Towards halftime, PSV crawled out of the shell a bit more and that resulted in Sangaré’s opening goal in the 37th minute. From a corner, Jordan Teze got the ball with the necessary dose of luck at Sangaré, who made an effective strike with his left leg: 0-1.
PSV could not enjoy the lead for long, because three minutes later it was already level. James Tavernier was launched with a beautiful pass and the right back immediately put the ball wide on the freestanding Colak. With a shot in the far corner, he left PSV keeper Benítez without a chance: 1-1. That was also the last dangerous moment in the first half.
Walter Benítez blundered at Rangers 2-1.
Walter Benítez blundered at Rangers 2-1.
Photo: Reuters
Goalkeeper blunder will not be fatal for PSV
Rangers and PSV also turned it into a blistering spectacle in the second half, although the football was not always good. The visitors had the better of the game and also had the best chances.
Especially Saibari got the necessary opportunities. In the space of ten minutes, the right winger punted the ball from a promising position wide, shot over after a solo and found Rangers goalkeeper McLaughlin in his way with an attempt with the left.
Despite the dominance, PSV fell behind in the seventieth minute, and that was entirely due to keeper Benítez. He let a free kick from Tom Lawrence slip through his fingers. Although he still whipped the ball out of his goal, it had already crossed the goal line.
Although the 2-1 felt like a blow, PSV didn’t seem upset and the people from Eindhoven were also paid for their work. Twelve minutes before the end, Obispo headed the 2-2 against the ropes from a corner by Cody Gakpo from the bottom of the bar, so that PSV can keep track of the holy goal: qualification for the Champions League.
