PSV Eindhoven have been knocked out of the Europa League after a 1-0 defeat to Osijek in Croatia. The tie finished 2-0 to Osijek over the two legs.
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Last week’s shock 1-0 defeat in the Philips Stadion led Philip Cocu to drop Luuk de Jong for the return game, with Hirving Lozano starting and Jurgen Locadia through the middle. Bart Ramselaar was also sacrificed as Davy Propper returned.
The changes made no difference in Croatia as Osijek easily dealt with PSV’s lifeless and predictable attack. After 25 minutes, Osijek took the lead with Petar Bockaj’s free-kick beating Jeroen Zoet.
Just before the break, PSV showed some signs of life, but Marco van Ginkel wasted a good chance before Locadia and Propper were denied by the Osijek goalkeeper.
In the second half, PSV struggled to find any momentum and the entrance of Luuk de Jong, Gaston Pereiro and Sam Lammers before the end made little impact. PSV were lucky to come away from the match with only a 2-0 defeat as the hosts messed up several chances on the counter before the end.
It is only August but PSV Eindhoven are already out of Europe and will not play in a major tournament for the first time in 43 years. A miserable performance and night for Cocu’s side who now only have the league and KNVB Cup to focus on. However, any more performances like this and PSV won’t get close to winning either competition.
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