PSV Eindhoven kept their Europa League chances alive after they came from behind to defeat PAOK Salonika 3-2 in the Philips Stadion.

PSV were embarrassed by PAOK two weeks ago in a 4-1 defeat, and Roger Schmidt’s side were keen for revenge. With Mohamed Ihattaren given a rest, Noni Madueke kept his spot in the starting eleven.

PAOK got joy against the PSV defence two weeks ago and in the third minute, they took the lead in fortunate circumstances. A shot from Christos Tziolis deflected off Fernando VarelaΒ and into the net.

In the ninth minute, PSV thought they had equalised when Donyell Malen found the net. However, the linesman wrongly flagged the striker for offside.

PSV’s night then took another turn for the worse when Tzolis made it 2-0 after a clever move from PAOK and it seemed the Greek side were on course for another victory.

Cody Gakpo pulled one back for PSV in the 20th minute from a Madueke pass and that gave the home side some hopes of a comeback. PSV then poured forward but could not find the equaliser before the break.

However, Schmidt’s side did not have to wait long in the second half as Madueke made it 2-2 with a lovely finish. Moments later, it was 3-2 as Malen netted on the rebound after Eran Zahavi was denied.

PSV dropped deeper but managed to keep hold of their lead with Jorrit Hendrix coming on to offer more security to the defence.

The victory means PSV moves onto six points, and that places them above PAOK into second spot. next week, PSV face group leaders Granada in Spain.




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