PSV Eindhoven (along with substitute Vertissen) knows defeat from a different perspective against Benfica

PSV Eindhoven managed to knock Galatasaray and FC Midtjylland out of the Champions League qualifying rounds without much effort, but Benfica were in a different order. Portuguese clubs simply don’t like Holland and that became clear again at Estádio da Luz.

PSV Eindhoven was quickly hit with a knife in Lisbon after Benfica broke PSV’s defense after ten minutes of play. Rafa Silva shot the ball slowly behind goalkeeper Joel Drumel who had no chance. PSV Eindhoven responded less than twenty minutes later when Iran Zahavi appeared to have leveled 1-1 after a flash by Olivier Boscali, had it not been for the fact that his goal was disallowed for offside. PSV Eindhoven was now in the game and made a serious game against Benfica, but it was the Portuguese who pulled the trigger again.

It happened just before the break, when Julian Weigel knocked out a corner kick to run 2-0 behind Drummel. PSV simply had no answer to Benfica’s confusing offensive game. Shortly after the break, PSV Eindhoven could have done something with a header from Marco van Ginkel, but his effort was parried by goalkeeper Odyssey Vlaudimus. Shortly thereafter, Eindhoven snagged a 3-0 win.

𝗚𝗔𝗞𝗣𝗢!

PSV Eindhoven returned to the game with this amazing goal by Cody Jakbo: 2-1. 😍#Bnbsv #UCL pic.twitter.com/ZBD6IsPDoY

– VTBL ⚽ (vtbl) August 18, 2021

Cody Jako’s call came after Benfica refused to practically eliminate PSV Eindhoven. Gakpo took advantage of the space he got from the Portuguese defenders and shot 2-1 from about twenty metres. The goal gave PSV Eindhoven flanks, Roger Schmidt’s side were certainly no less and probably should have made it 2-2 via Mario Gotze.

Schmidt brought some offensive impulses onto the field with Yorbi Vertisen in the final stage, but PSV Eindhoven couldn’t get more than 2-1. As a result, hopes remain. Back in exactly seven days.