PSV Eindhoven came from behind to beat Manchester United in the opening group games of the Champions League.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
PSV’s first game back in the Champions League group stages for seven years was being billed as the return of Memphis Depay, who left Eindhoven for Manchester United this summer. The winger seemed to be heading for the headlines after giving the visitors the lead, but goals from Hector Moreno and Luciano Narsingh sealed a famous European night for the Eredivisie champions.
The early stages of the game were overshadowed by a horrific injury to Manchester United left back Luke Shaw, who left the pitch with a suspected broken leg on 24 minutes after a challenge by Moreno.
When the game got back underway Manchester United started to assert their dominance with Anthony Martial going close with a header before Memphis opened the scoring on 41 minutes. The winger collected a pass from Daley Blind before skipping through PSV’s defence and slotting the ball through Jeroen Zoet’s legs. Memphis stayed true to his word and celebrated the goal, and a minute later he nearly netted again but this time his shot flew just wide, while Zoet had to deny Chris Smalling.
In the second minute of first half injury time PSV were level when Maxime Lestienne’s corner met Moreno’s head and a deflection off Blind took the ball past David de Gea.
Memphis saw a low shot saved by Zoet early in the second half before the Philips Stadion erupted on 57 minutes when PSV took a shock lead. Lestienne was once again provider as his cross to the back post was headed past De Gea by Narsingh.
PSV defended the lead resolutely and should have made their lead greater in the 83rd minute, but Luuk de Jong fired over from close range. The miss didn’t prove costly though as PSV held on to record a big win for Dutch football.
Next up for PSV is a trip to Russia in two weeks to face CSKA Moscow, who lost their opening game to Wolfsburg 1-0.
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