PSV Eindhoven got off to a good start in the Europa League group stages with a 3-2 victory over Sporting club de Portugal.
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Mark van Bommel made no changes from the side that defeated Vitesse Arnhem 5-0 at the weekend with Donyell Malen fresh from scoring five goals.
Sporting made a bright start but it was PSV who took the lead in the 19th minute. Malen raced onto an excellent pass by Mohamed Ihattaren before sending a deflected strike into the bottom corner. Six minutes later, it was 2-0 when Bruma’s cross was put into his own net by defender Sebastien Coates.
Sporting did not trouble Jeroen Zoet much but seven minutes before the break they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy foul by Jorrit Hendrix. Bruno Fernandes slotted past Zoet to make it 2-1.
The PSV fans paid tribute to Fernando Ricksen in the 43rd minute with his good friend and former teammate van Bommel looking visibly moved on the sidelines.
Three minutes after the break, PSV made it 3-1 when a corner made its way to Timo Baumgartl and the centre back slotted into the net.
Zoet then kept Sporting at bay with several saves while Denzel Dumfries wasted a chance to make it 4-1 with a header.
Ten minutes before the end, substitute Pedro Mendes made it 3-2 with a low strike from the edge of the area. However, PSV saw out the rest of the game and could have made it 4-2 but Ritsu Doan’s strike was turned wide.
PSV get off to a great start in the group and can now put their focus on facing Ajax this weekend.
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