PSV proved it still has what it takes to be among the best in Europe. The 3-1 extra-time win over Juventus secured the Dutch outfit a ticket to the Champions League Round of 16. And it wasn't just any victory. It was an epic comeback that pushed the team to the edge and left the Old Lady stunned.
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Against an experienced opponent who was used to high-stakes matches, PSV showed intensity, determination, and most of all, composure in the decisive moments. Flamingo, Saibari, and Perisic scored for the home side, with Weah getting Juventus' sole goal. The Italian side exits the competition after it failed to hold on to its first-leg advantage.
Now, PSV can focus on the next hurdle. The draw will determine its next rival: Inter Milan or Arsenal. Whoever it faces, the Dutch side enters the next round strengthened and brimming with confidence.
PSV's non-stop start
PSV was clear from the first whistle that it had no intention of respecting Juventus' tradition. The team attacked from the opening, pressing high and almost breaking through in the second minute when Jerdy Schouten and Luuk de Jong created a defensive scramble, with Locatelli eventually clearing the ball for a corner.
Juventus were under pressure and were finding it difficult to play out from the back. Thiago Motta's team attempted to remain compact and soak up the Dutch attack, but they were unable to match PSV's intensity.
It went from bad to worse for Juve in the 10th minute as Renato Veiga picked up a muscle injury and was replaced by Andrea Cambiaso, which meant a tactical change was forced.
Although PSV had the lion's share of possession, Juventus started to come into the game. In the 14th minute, Francisco Conceição won a corner after a great run down the right flank.
Five minutes later, PSV almost scored. Noa Lang received the ball in the box and delivered a powerful effort, but Juventus' defense stepped in just on time.
At the other end, Juventus began to threaten. Randal Kolo Muani got on the end of a Timothy Weah cross in the 17th minute but was unable to head into the back of the net.
The first half remained tightly contested, with both sides exchanging chances. Kolo Muani had a gilt-edged opportunity in the 34th minute but couldn't make it count. On the verge of halftime, Locatelli had a shot from range following an mistake by Benitez, but the goalkeeper recovered to make an easy save.
PSV turns pressure into goals
If the first half was even, the second began with PSV eager to impose themselves. In the 48th minute, Ivan Perisic created some space in the area and managed to get a shot in, but Di Gregorio saved solidly. Not long afterwards, Lang shot into the side netting.
The breakthrough finally came in the 54th minute. Noa Lang cut inside from the left and delivered an accurate pass to Perisic, who took the ball in his stride and fired it past Di Gregorio to put PSV ahead.
The goal galvanized the Dutch side, which continued to push. Saibari attempted his luck from range in the 60th minute, but Gatti made a crucial block. Juventus was pushed on the back foot, struggling to respond.
Then, from nowhere, the Italians found a lifeline. In the 63rd minute, Timothy Weah launched a shot from distance that caught Benitez off guard, leveling the match. The goal was originally called offside due to the position of Lloyd Kelly, but VAR overturned the call. For a moment, Juventus looked poised to fight back. But that momentum didn't last long.
In the 74th minute, PSV regained the lead. Perisic once again led the charge, playing De Jong through, whose effort was blocked. The ball, however, fell nicely for Saibari, who volleyed it home to take it 2-1. After another VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand. With the match heading into extra time, Juventus needed to find another spark. But in the defining moments, the script unfolded differently.
Extra time and the decisive blow
PSV started extra time the way it ended regulation — on offense. Saibari nearly won the game in the 92nd minute, but Di Gregorio came up with a crucial save.
The dagger came in the 97th minute. Johan Bakayoko sent a dangerous free kick into the box, where a mad scramble ensued. The ball eventually fell at the feet of Flamingo, who did not think twice before burying it.
Juventus was stunned, and they were not able to recover. Dusan Vlahovic had a great chance in the 105+1st minute, but his header from close range bounced off the post.
Juventus looked out of energy in the second half of extra time. Khephren Thuram tried his luck from distance in the 113th minute but sent the ball over the bar. Guus Til had the last chance of the match in the 120th minute when he was one-on-one with Di Gregorio, but the goalkeeper made a great save. Juventus launched a final attack in the final three minutes of injury time, but PSV hung on and celebrated its richly deserved spot in the Round of 16.
Can PSV cause an upset in the next round?
Now that it has qualified, PSV has a gigantic test coming up. Inter Milan or Arsenal is what the next round holds.
The Dutch squad has shown that it has a competitive squad, game-altering players, and the mental toughness to overcome adversity. It will need to repeat the same intensity and precision that allowed it to oust Juventus against either opponent.
Regardless of the draw, Peter Bosz's men have already shown one thing: PSV is not in the Champions League just to make up the numbers.