PSV Eindhoven edged past Red Star Belgrade with a 3-2 victory in a thrilling Champions League encounter on Tuesday. Luuk de Jong’s first-half double and Ryan Flamingo’s stunning volley gave the Dutch side a commanding lead, but a red card for Flamingo early in the second half turned the match into a nervy affair. Despite a spirited comeback from Red Star, PSV held firm to stay on course for a playoff spot.
Match Recap
First Half: PSV Dominate Set-Pieces
PSV came out firing in the frosty conditions at Stadion Rajko Mitic. The visitors opened the scoring when Luuk de Jong met Joey Veerman’s outswinging corner, rising above the defense to power a header into the far corner.
De Jong doubled PSV’s advantage shortly after, again capitalizing on Veerman’s pinpoint delivery from a corner. The Dutch forward’s second goal was another header, showcasing his aerial prowess.
Before the break, PSV extended their lead through Ryan Flamingo. The defender latched onto a loose ball from yet another corner and unleashed a thunderous volley past Red Star goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
Second Half: Flamingo’s Red Card Sparks Red Star Comeback
PSV’s comfortable position was thrown into chaos early in the second half when Flamingo was sent off for a last-man foul on Nemanja Radonjic. The straight red card shifted the momentum firmly in Red Star’s favor.
The hosts took full advantage of their numerical superiority, pulling a goal back when Cherif Ndiaye nodded in a well-placed cross. Moments later, Nasser Djiga added a second with another header, setting up a tense finale.
Despite relentless pressure from Red Star in the closing minutes, PSV’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Walter Benitez, held firm to secure the three points.
Key Takeaways
Luuk de Jong: The Big-Game Player
- De Jong’s brace highlighted his knack for delivering in crucial moments.
- Nine of his last 11 Champions League goals have either equalized or given his team the lead.
- This was the third time he recorded both a goal and an assist in a Champions League game, the first since 2016 against Rostov.
Set-Piece Excellence
- All three of PSV’s goals came from set-pieces, underlining their effectiveness in dead-ball situations.
- Joey Veerman was instrumental, providing assists for De Jong’s goals and influencing Flamingo’s strike.
Red Star’s Spirited Effort
- Despite being out of contention for the playoffs, Red Star showed immense character in the second half.
- Ndiaye and Djiga’s goals offered hope, but their inability to convert late pressure into an equalizer proved costly.
PSV’s Resilience
- Playing with ten men for nearly the entire second half, PSV showcased their defensive grit.
- The win keeps them firmly in the playoff race, with 11 points from seven matches.
What’s Next?
- PSV Eindhoven: The Dutch side will look to solidify their playoff position in their final group-stage match.
- Red Star Belgrade: With no chance of advancing, Red Star will aim to end their campaign on a high note.
Final Thoughts
PSV’s victory in Belgrade was a testament to their clinical finishing and ability to withstand pressure. While Flamingo’s red card complicated matters, the leadership of Luuk de Jong and a disciplined defensive effort ensured they left Serbia with three crucial points. For Red Star, it was a case of too little, too late, as their Champions League journey ends in disappointment.
