PSV Survive Red Star Comeback to Secure 3-2 Win in UCL

PSV secured a 3-2 win over Red Star in the UEFA Champions League, despite being reduced to ten men, to move closer to a spot in the knockout phase.

PSV, the former Champions League winners, took a significant step towards securing their spot in the competition with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Red Star in snowy Belgrade.

Following a surprise league defeat over the weekend, the Dutch champions were eager to bounce back against a Red Star side that had not played a competitive match in nearly a month. PSV made their intentions clear early on, with midfielder Joey Veerman attempting a long-range shot that ultimately resulted in a corner.

The visitors continued to press, and American full-back Sergio Rico, not Ricardo Ledezma, was the player involved in the next notable chance. However, it was actually Red Star's Cherif Ndiaye who was presented with an opportunity roughly ten minutes after Veerman's attempt, but the Senegalese striker failed to capitalize on it.

One of Europe's most clinical headers, Luuk de Jong, showcased his expertise just a couple of minutes later. De Jong skillfully headed home a Joey Veerman corner, giving PSV the lead after 17 minutes.

PSV doubled their advantage just seven minutes later, with De Jong once again scoring with a headed goal. His second goal of the game put PSV in a commanding position. However, some defensive lapses nearly proved costly for the Dutch side, but Argentinian goalkeeper Walter Benitez made crucial saves to maintain their two-goal cushion.

Centre-half Ryan Flamingo added to PSV's lead just before halftime, scoring with a scorching volley from a rebound following another PSV corner. The young defender's goal gave PSV a 3-0 lead at the break.

However, Flamingo's night took a turn for the worse just five minutes into the second half. He took down Nemanja Radonjic late and received a direct red card from Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs. With PSV now down to ten men, Red Star sensed an opportunity for a famous Champions League comeback.

As the snowballs continued to fly from the stands, PSV faced a revitalized Red Star team. Chances began to flow for the Serbian side, with Radonjic and Timi Elsnik both testing the excellent Benitez. However, the PSV goalkeeper stood firm, making crucial saves to protect his team's lead.

With twenty minutes remaining, time was running out for Red Star. However, Cherif Ndiaye finally got the Serbian giants on the scoreboard with a free header from five yards out. The goal set up a tense finale, but PSV managed to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

Burkinese defender Nasser Djiga further reduced the deficit, scoring Red Star's second goal from a corner kick with less than fifteen minutes remaining. This development threw the game wide open, setting up a tense finale.

However, contrary to expectations, it was PSV who came closest to scoring again in the closing stages. Joey Veerman narrowly missed the target, putting the ball just wide of the post with only minutes left on the clock. Red Star, despite their efforts, failed to convert a trio of chances in injury time, ultimately succumbing to a 3-2 defeat.

Five-goal thriller in Belgrade 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/jrglH6qjQw

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 21, 2025

The win marks PSV's first victory since their remarkable comeback against Shakhtar Donetsk. With this result, PSV jump to 11 points in the Champions League, significantly improving their chances of advancing to the next round. However, their next challenge will be formidable, as they host Premier League leaders Liverpool and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot at the Philips Stadion next week.

Red Star, on the other hand, have been officially eliminated from the competition following tonight's loss. With only three points from seven games, the Serbian side trails 24th-placed Manchester City by five points, ending their hopes of progression.