Weak start costs PSV

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Atletico Madrid wanted to ensure a place in the next round as quickly as they could and PSV didn't mind lending them a hand in a game stripped of all emotions due to the empty stands.

Big defensive mistakes helped the Spaniards to a 2-0 lead after half an hour.

Shortly after the break Koevermans pulled one back, but PSV never had the power to really press for the equalizer, even though Salcido had a massive chance in the dying seconds of the game.

Simao benefited from Carlos Salcido fiddling about in his own penalty area and opened the score after 14 minutes.

Within the half hour the home team had doubled the score and again there was a Mexican defender making a mess of a clearance, allowing Maxi Rodriguez all the time in the world to blast it home.

On top PSV then lost Ibrahim Afellay with an ankle injury but with Atletico taking it's foot of the gas PSV were able to get closer to the Madrid goal.

Only minutes after the break PSV did indeed get back into the game when Koevermans knocked one in from close range.

Madrid defender Johnny Heitinga then had to be replaced after a collision with his own goal keeper but his defense never got into any real trouble.

Mendez threatened once but took too much time.

In the dying seconds of the game Salcido got the chance to make up for his earlier mistake when the ball fell to his feet in the Atletico penalty area but his shot was deflected over the bar.

PSV remain fourth in their group, but with number 3 Olympique Marseilles also losing in Liverpool PSV still have a little chance of progressing to the third round of the UEFA Cup.

They will have to gain at least a point at home against Liverpool and at the same time hope that Marseilles lose against Madrid.

Gaining the same result as Olympique will mean the French go on in Europe.

Atletico Madrid-PSV 2-1
1-0 14' Simão
2-0 28' Maxi Rodríguez
2-1 47' D. Koevermans