PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kodai Sano scored his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season during the club’s league phase match against Club Brugge, securing a point in a 1-1 result.
Club Brugge scores opening goal before Sano equalizes
Club Brugge opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Defender Joaquin Seys delivered a cross from the right flank that found forward Nicolo Tresoldi, who converted with a header to put the visitors ahead. PSV entered the halftime interval trailing by a goal.
🚨 GOAL! KODAI SANO EQUALISES FOR PSV ⚽🔥 54' PSV 1-1 Club Brugge PSV are back in the game. Kodai Sano finds the net early in the second half to bring the Dutch side level! 🏆 UEFA Champions League | Matchday 4 https://t.co/JiqhCWEK05
The momentum shifted early in the second half. Following a cross from the right wing, PSV forward Guus Til attempted a shot that was initially blocked by the Brugge defense. Sano collected the rebound, maneuvering the ball with the sole of his boot before firing a right-footed shot that deflected off a defender and the goalpost into the net. The goal leveled the score at 1-1, where it remained for the duration of the match.
Historical context of the scoring record
At 23 years, one month and 11 days old, Sano became the second-youngest Japanese player to record a goal in the Champions League. The record remains held by Shinji Kagawa, who scored in the competition at 22 years, eight months and six days of age. Sano is the 16th Japanese player to register a goal in Europe’s premier club tournament.
Sano makes fourth Champions League start for PSV
Managed by Peter Bosz, PSV fielded a lineup that included goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, defender Sergiño Dest, and forward Ivan Perišić. Sano’s inclusion in the starting XI marked his fourth start in this season’s Champions League campaign. PSV had one win, one draw and one loss for four points in the league phase, following an earlier victory against Porto and a draw with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Sano, who joined the Eredivisie side this season, has now recorded three goals in 14 appearances across all competitions. His previous goals came during domestic league play against Sparta Rotterdam on September 13 and Willem II on October 31. The midfielder has maintained a consistent role in the squad as the club handles the opening stages of the European schedule.
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