PSV Eindhoven celebrated a remarkable comeback thanks to its American players in a Champions League match on Wednesday.
Facing a daunting 2-0 deficit against Shakhtar Donetsk in the 87th minute, the Dutch side appeared to be on the verge of defeat until their U.S. internationals took charge.
Malik Tillman initiated the revival with a clever free kick from a wide position that caught Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk off guard, allowing the ball to slip into the net. Just three minutes later, Tillman struck again, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area to equalize.
The winning goal came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when U.S. forward Ricardo Pepi capitalized on a loose ball in the goalmouth, calmly slotting it into an empty net.
“When we scored the winner, it was a madhouse—everyone was jumping on each other, our bench erupted, and so did our fans,” said PSV defender Ryan Flamingo. “To achieve that in a Champions League match is as good as it gets.”
This thrilling victory propelled PSV up six spots in the standings, placing them 18th among 36 teams, just ahead of Real Madrid, Juventus, and Dutch rivals Feyenoord, and only below Manchester City on goal difference. The top 24 teams after three more rounds will advance to the knockout stage. However, Tillman remained grounded about the performance against the Ukrainian champions. “We didn’t play to our usual level. We all have to be honest about it,” he said.
PSV conceded two goals in the first half, and the match shifted dramatically following a red card issued to Shakhtar defender Pedro Henrique in the 69th minute. “I think the red card was justified, although their player didn’t do it on purpose. I doubt we would have won without it,” acknowledged PSV coach Peter Bosz.
Looking ahead, PSV will face two away matches, first against French newcomer Brest on December 10 and then at Red Star Belgrade on January 21, a clash between the 1991 European Cup winner and the 1988 champion. PSV’s group stage concludes on January 29 with a home match against Liverpool, the current leaders with five consecutive wins.
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