Memphis Depay came off the bench to inspire PSV Eindhoven to a 3-2 win over Austrian side St Polten, which eases them into the play-off round of the Europa League.

  • By Michael Bell
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DEP FKFDefending a 1-0 lead from the first leg, PSV coach Phillip Cocu named the exact same starting eleven as last week, meaning Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Santiago Arias all settled for a place on the bench after returning from their holidays.

PSV looked lethargic from the off, but took the lead just before the half hour mark when Jurgen Locadia sent a fierce low shot into the bottom corner from the left hand side of the box.

Ten minutes into the 2nd half St Polten drew level, as forward Daniel Segovia’s weak shot from range creeped into the net, after Jeroen Zoet slipped in the PSV goal. The home side were inspired by the goal, and only an on the line clearance stopped them from taking the lead from a corner.

With PSV struggling Memphis Depay was introduced just after the hour mark, and the explosive winger made an instant impact as he sent a curling effort just yards over. Minutes later Depay latched onto a ball over the top before poking it past the St Polten keeper to restore PSV’s lead on 69 minutes.

Depay then turned provider a minute later as his bicycle kick wasn’t strong enough to reach the net, but Luuk de Jong was on hand to tap into the net from close range, making it 3-1

St Polten pulled a goal back in injury time through Konstatin Kerschbaumer, but it was too late for the Austrians, and PSV held on to book their place in tomorrows play-off draw.

It was not a vintage performance by PSV, but Phillip Cocu will have been pleased by the impact Memphis Depay had after coming on, which will no doubt add fuel to the rumours of a move away from the Philips Stadion.




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