Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in an electrifying Champions League encounter on Wednesday. The victory prevented the Reds from securing a flawless record in the league phase while also marking Dutch coach Arne Slot’s first managerial outing in his homeland as Anfield boss.
Liverpool’s Rotated Squad and Gakpo’s Emotional Return
With Liverpool’s place in the knockout stages already secured and key Premier League fixtures ahead, Arne Slot made several changes to his lineup, resting stars like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. However, Cody Gakpo was given a start at his former club, receiving a warm reception from both sets of supporters.
“It was truly memorable to come back and experience the incredible support from the fans. PSV will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gakpo reflected after the match.
A Rollercoaster First Half with Five Goals
The opening minutes at Philips Stadion were relatively quiet, giving little indication of the goal-fest to follow. However, the game burst into life after Joey Veerman lost possession and clumsily fouled Federico Chiesa in the box, conceding a penalty.
With Liverpool’s usual penalty takers absent, Gakpo stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the corner, opting not to celebrate out of respect for his boyhood club.
PSV responded immediately as Johan Bakayoko showcased brilliant footwork, twisting past two defenders before curling a stunning shot past the goalkeeper.
Liverpool quickly reclaimed the lead when Walter Benitez failed to hold on to a powerful Chiesa strike, allowing Harvey Elliott to capitalize with a simple tap-in.
The hosts, however, refused to back down. Veerman redeemed himself with a perfectly weighted pass to Ismael Saibari, who rifled the ball into the top corner for the equalizer. PSV then completed the turnaround in stoppage time, as Veerman provided a low cross that Ricardo Pepi bundled home for a dramatic 3-2 advantage before halftime.
“The first half was a whirlwind. We showed resilience and took our chances well,” said PSV coach Peter Bosz.
A More Measured Second Half and Gakpo’s Ovation
Six minutes after the restart, Gakpo was substituted, receiving a standing ovation from the PSV faithful, which he acknowledged with heartfelt applause.
Unlike the frantic first half, the second period saw a more measured approach from both teams.
PSV nearly extended their lead in the 73rd minute when Saibari found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but a last-ditch tackle from Tyler Morton denied the Dutch side a fourth goal.
Shortly after, Luuk de Jong replaced Saibari, drawing loud cheers from the home fans.
Late Drama: Nallo Sees Red, Liverpool Falls Short
Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow when 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just minutes after coming on. His reckless challenge on Bakayoko earned him a straight red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the final stages.
Despite a late push from Slot’s young squad, Liverpool struggled to break through PSV’s resolute defense. The Dutch side held on to secure their first-ever victory over Liverpool in a historic moment for the club.
“This win means a lot to us. Beating a team like Liverpool shows our strength,” said PSV captain Luuk de Jong.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Liverpool: Despite the loss, they remain top of their group and will shift focus to their Premier League campaign.
- PSV Eindhoven: With this victory, they now face a challenging path through the play-offs to continue their European journey.
This thrilling night in Eindhoven showcased PSV’s fighting spirit and provided a reminder that anything can happen in the Champions League.
Can PSV carry this momentum forward in Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments!
