PSV Eindhoven produced a stunning comeback to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League match at the Philips Stadion. The Dutch champions twice came from behind to secure a historic victory, denying the Reds a perfect record in the league phase of the competition.
The dramatic win ensured PSV finished the group stage on a high, though they must now navigate the knockout play-offs to progress further in the tournament. For Liverpool, despite the loss, they still finished top of the Champions League standings and had already secured automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Gakpo’s Emotional Return and Liverpool’s Weakened Line-Up
The match carried extra significance for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who returned to face his boyhood club. It was also a special occasion for Liverpool’s Dutch head coach, Arne Slot, managing his first game in his home country since taking charge at Anfield.
With key Premier League fixtures ahead and their place in the Round of 16 already confirmed, Liverpool made nine changes to their starting XI. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were left out of the squad entirely, while several fringe players were given an opportunity to impress.
Despite the changes, Liverpool took control early, showing their intent to maintain their perfect Champions League record. However, PSV’s resilience and attacking prowess turned the match into a spectacle.
A First Half Full of Goals
The game began at a measured pace, with neither side creating much in the opening 20 minutes. However, the match soon came to life, delivering five goals in a chaotic first half.
Liverpool took the lead after PSV midfielder Joey Veerman was caught in possession inside his own penalty area, clumsily bringing down Federico Chiesa. With several of Liverpool’s usual penalty takers absent, Cody Gakpo stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick into the corner. In a mark of respect, he chose not to celebrate against his former club.
PSV responded almost immediately. Belgian forward Johan Bakayoko produced a moment of brilliance, turning past two Liverpool defenders before curling a superb shot into the far corner to level the score.
Liverpool restored their advantage five minutes before halftime. Chiesa’s powerful shot forced PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez into a save, but he could only parry the ball into the path of Harvey Elliott, who tapped in to make it 2-1.
Just as Liverpool looked set to take a lead into the break, PSV struck again. Veerman made amends for his earlier mistake by setting up Ismael Saibari, who finished clinically into the top corner. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and left Liverpool stunned.
The Dutch champions were not done yet. Deep into first-half stoppage time, another well-worked PSV attack down the left caught Liverpool’s defense off guard. Veerman’s low cross found Ricardo Pepi, who bundled the ball home to complete a remarkable turnaround and give PSV a 3-2 lead heading into halftime.
Liverpool’s Second-Half Struggles
The second half began with a standing ovation for Cody Gakpo, who was substituted off in the 51st minute. The Eindhoven-born forward acknowledged the warm reception from the home fans, highlighting the deep connection he still holds with his former club.
After a frantic first half, the pace of the game slowed considerably in the second period. Liverpool pushed forward in search of an equalizer but found PSV’s defense much more compact and disciplined.
PSV nearly put the game out of reach in the 73rd minute when Saibari found himself clean through on goal. However, a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Tyler Morton denied the midfielder and kept Liverpool’s hopes alive.
With time running out, Liverpool’s challenge became even more difficult when 18-year-old substitute Amara Nallo was shown a straight red card. Just four minutes after coming on, the young defender mistimed a tackle on Bakayoko and was sent off, reducing Liverpool to ten men.
Despite a late push from Liverpool’s young squad, PSV held firm, securing a historic victory—their first-ever win against the Reds.
Key Match Stats – PSV Eindhoven vs Liverpool
Final Score: PSV Eindhoven 3-2 Liverpool
Goalscorers:
- Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) – 24’ (pen)
- Johan Bakayoko (PSV) – 28’
- Harvey Elliott (Liverpool) – 40’
- Ismael Saibari (PSV) – 45’
- Ricardo Pepi (PSV) – 45+2’
Shots: PSV 14 – Liverpool 10
Possession: PSV 52% – Liverpool 48%
Pass Accuracy: PSV 87% – Liverpool 85%
Corners: PSV 6 – Liverpool 4
What This Result Means for Both Teams
Despite the defeat, Liverpool finished top of the Champions League league phase and will enter the Round of 16 as a seeded team. Arne Slot’s side may be disappointed to lose their perfect record, but with several key players rested, their priority remains the knockout stage.
For PSV, this historic victory gives them confidence heading into the knockout play-offs. While they must still win a two-legged tie to advance to the Round of 16, the result against Liverpool proves they can compete with Europe’s best.
With their European campaigns still alive, both teams now shift focus to their domestic leagues before the Champions League knockout rounds resume.
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