After the clear away defeat in the first leg, the Styrians had hoped for a historic comeback. “We want to put on a much better performance, and if we do that, something can happen,” storm trainer Christian Ilzer explained in the ORF interview in advance. William Böving gave the committed hosts a deserved 1-0 lead with his second top chance (26th).
But it was precisely this goal that obviously woke up the away team coached by Peter Bosz. Joey Veerman scored the equalizer with a precise low shot from around 20 meters into the right corner (32nd). Seven minutes later, PSV captain Luuk de Jong put the Dutch, who had started again without ÖFB team player Philipp Mwene, ahead with an equally beautiful diving header (39′).
Böving puts Sturm in the lead (26th minute)
Böving volleys into the short corner and doesn’t give goalie Benitez a chance.
Transfer to Europa League
After the break, a goal by David Affengruber was disallowed: Jon Gorenc Stankovic was ruled offside when he headed the ball from a corner and blocked PSV goalie Walter Benitez from sight. PSV easily brought promotion home, “Joker” Ricardo Pepi converted the penalty due after a handball by Gregory Wüthrich (85th). Unlucky in the end was “noble reservist” Jakob Jantscher, who hit the left post with two shots in added time.
GEPA/Hans Oberlaender PSV Eindhoven also celebrated against Sturm Graz in the second leg
The Dutch runners-up pocket five million euros for reaching the play-offs, but still have to defeat Glasgow Rangers to win the big millions. Sturm is playing an autumn in the Europa League for the third year in a row. The draw will take place on September 1st, the kick-off will take place on September 21st.
debate
Who is doing best in the qualification mill?
Sturm coach Christian Ilzer decided to change the formation after the weak first leg. The classic midfield diamond gave way to the “Christmas tree” system (4-3-2-1). Polish striker Szymon Wlodarczyk was only on the bench for the first time since signing him. In the absence of the injured Manprit Sarkaria, Bryan Teixeira, who had not yet arrived in Graz, stormed.
PSV turns up after the storm lead
Sturm should sell more expensive than Eindhoven – at least initially. With a more compact defensive performance, the “Blackys” repeatedly used offensive pinpricks. Teixeira indicated danger with an unsuccessful shot (8th). But already in the attempted initial vortex in Graz it became apparent that PSV centre-forward de Jong is difficult to defend, especially in the air. Storm goalie Kjell Scherpen cleared his compatriot’s header for a corner (9′).
Top chance for Sturm Graz (19th minute)
A deep pass from Kiteishvili to Boving leads to a running duel between Boving and Ramalho, who prevails against the Brazilian. Goalman Benitez parries his shot from the left side of the penalty area.
After a pass from Otar Kiteishvili, Böving failed from the best position to Walter Benitez in the away goal, but was able to celebrate a little later. Alexander Prass found the Dane on the second post and the 20-year-old finally turned Graz-Liebenau into a madhouse when he volleyed the ball into the near corner (26′). But those of the 12,571 spectators hoping for nervous guests were disappointed. The storm fans, who were in high spirits, were not granted more than six minutes of elation. After a precise ball relay, De Jong passed it to Veerman, who made a real impact with a low shot from 20 meters (32′).
Headed goal by Luuk de Jong (39th minute)
Luuk de Jong makes it 2-1 for PSV Eindhoven.
Coach Bosz’s guests, with the exception of winger Noa Lang, played with the best of players even followed up before the break. De Jong headed in a Teze cross – the ex-Barcelona striker’s third goal against Sturm (39′). The rest was a show run by guests who were happy to play and who were sure of the ball and a courageously fighting home team. David Affengruber headed in after a corner (58′). However, the goal was conceded by VAR for an offside position by Jon Gorenc Stankovic (60′).
“Joker” Jantscher hits the post twice
For the Slovenian team player, the working day was over shortly after with a look ahead to the Lustenau guest appearance on Saturday, as it was for Jusuf Gazibegovic and Otar Kiteishvili. Two new acquisitions came with Javi Serrano and Scottish debutant Max Johnston. Jantscher was also allowed to play in the finish with few chances and failed twice in an attack on the pole (94th). Pepi had already increased it to 3:1 by confidently converting a penalty kick caused by Wüthrich after VAR intervention (85th).
Two shots from Jantscher (90+4 minutes)
The noble reservist is unlucky in overtime.
Comments on the game:
Christian Ilzer (Sturm coach): “We had our moments today, but we didn’t let them falter. The first half hour we showed what we’re made of. We’re going into the lead, the stadium was great there. In the situation where De Jong lies, energy was lost and PSV immediately showed what class they have. We probably won’t get any goals from these two situations in the Austrian Bundesliga. We became too passive and were immediately punished.”
Stefan Hierlander (Sturm captain): “Our goal was to show a reaction to a game that wasn’t how we imagined it. Eindhoven are a world-class team, so you can see the quality they have. We spent the first 30 minutes quite well. It was a reaction, but overall it was clear. The shot to 1:1 had to be defended, and 1:2 was also too easy. That will be punished at this level, we knew that.”
Peter Bosz (PSV coach): “I think we deserved to win, in a good atmosphere. I’m drawn to both camps of fans. We have to defend better in the first half. Every game is a learning phase. In the first 30 minutes, Sturm Graz was very strong in the fast transition game and with set pieces.”
Andre Ramalho (PSV defender): “We were ready in both games. We knew if we weren’t awake enough, the storm would hurt us. We saw that at the start today. Storm was awake, was biting. But we had a good starting position from the first leg, which made it easier.”
CL qualification, third round, second leg
Tuesday:
Sturm Graz – PSV Eindhoven 1:3 (1:2)
Graz, Merkur Arena, 12,571, SR Jovanovic/SRB
Torfolge:
1:0 Böving (26.)
1:1 Ferryman (32.)
1:2 De Jong (39.)
1: 3 Pepi (85./penalty)
Sturm: Scherpen – Gazibegovic (71./Johnston), Affengruber, Wüthrich, Dante – Hierländer, Gorenc-Stankovic (71./Serrano), Prass (80./Jantscher) – Kiteishvili (71./Horvat), Böving – Teixeira (59. / Wlodarczyk)
PSV: Benitez – Teze (86./Sambo), Ramalho, Boscagli, Van Aanholt – Veerman, Sangare, Saibari – Vertessen (86./Babadi), De Jong (46./Pepi), Bakayoko (60./Til)
Yellow cards: Hierländer, Wüthrich, Serrano or none
First leg 1-4, PSV 7-2 agg in play-off vs Glasgow Rangers, Sturm promoted to Europa League group stage
