There was a roller-coaster of emotions in the Philips Stadion but PSV came from behind to beat CSKA Moscow 2-1 and reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
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PSV went into the final group game knowing they could finish in every single position in the table if results went for or against Phillip Cocu’s side. However the goal was simple: Beat CSKA Moscow and PSV were through.
With Wolfsburg leading Manchester United, PSV knew a draw would be enough on the night and they were very cautious in a first half that saw very few chances. The only real opportunity of the half fell to the home side but Luuk de Jong’s tame header was straight at Igor Akinfeev.
In the second half PSV remained cautious and seemed happy to keep possession and see out the match, but then on 76 minutes disaster struck. A corner which shouldn’t have been given was hit straight at Andres Guardado, but the Mexican had a poor touch allowing Dusan Tosic to dive in and go down in the box. Replays showed no contact, but the referee pointed to the spot and Ignashevic calmly beat Jeroen Zoet.
PSV were level within two minutes though as Jorrit Hendrix header beat CSKA Moscow’s offside trap and De Jong had all the time in the world to pass the ball past Akinfeev from close range. The noise level in the Philips Stadion exploded, but that was nothing compared to when Davy Propper smashed a half volley into the bottom corner with four minutes left to put PSV 2-1 up.
Despite a nervous few minutes that included a Tosic free kick which sailed just over the bar, PSV held on to take their position as second in Group B, behind Wolfsburg who beat Manchester United 3-2.
The win and progression is a fantastic feat for PSV, and Dutch football after several years of average performances in Europe. PSV now await Monday’s last 16 draw, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lying in wait.
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