PSV Eindhoven produced a memorable performance to overturn a first-leg deficit and book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, as the Dutch side won 3-1 on the night to send Juventus crashing out.
PSV Eindhoven delivered a thrilling comeback to overturn a first-leg deficit and eliminate Juventus from the UEFA Champions League. The Dutch giants produced a memorable 3-1 victory on the night, sealing their place in the last 16 with a dramatic extra-time finish at Philips Stadion.
Trailing after a narrow 1-0 loss in the first leg, PSV knew they had to deliver a strong performance at home. Ivan Perisic, Ismael Saibari, and Ryan Flamingo found the back of the net, securing a 4-2 aggregate win and sending Juventus crashing out of Europe.
Cagey First Half With Few Chances
With a passionate home crowd behind them, Eindhoven started the match with energy, pushing Juventus back early on. However, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening exchanges, as both defenses held firm.
Juventus, managed by Thiago Motta, looked content to slow the pace of the game and protect their first-leg advantage. The only shot on target in the first half came from Andrea Cambiaso, whose deflected effort was comfortably saved by Walter Benitez.
Despite PSV’s attacking intent, Juventus’ defensive organization meant that neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in the opening 45 minutes.
Perisic Opens the Scoring as PSV Ramp Up the Pressure
PSV came out flying in the second half, determined to break through Juventus’ disciplined defense. Ivan Perisic, who had scored in the first leg, nearly repeated his heroics early on but was denied by Michele Di Gregorio. Moments later, Noa Lang fired into the side netting from a tight angle.
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute, as Lang drove forward from the left and played in Perisic, who controlled the ball beautifully before volleying past Di Gregorio to level the tie on aggregate.
With momentum firmly in Eindhoven ’s favor, Juventus found themselves under siege, with Federico Gatti making crucial defensive interventions to keep his team in the tie.
Timothy Weah’s Stunning Strike Puts Juventus Back Ahead
Just as it seemed PSV were in control, Juventus struck back through a moment of brilliance from Timothy Weah. The American winger met a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful half-volley, giving Juventus a crucial aggregate lead once again.
With time running out, they knew they needed a quick response to avoid elimination.
Saibari’s Late Equalizer Sends the Game to Extra Time
PSV’s persistence paid off in the 85th minute, as Ismael Saibari arrived in the box at the perfect time to scramble home a deflected cross, leveling the tie at 2-2 on aggregate and forcing extra time.
Ismael Saibari goal
PSV 2-1 Juventus. Still ongoing pic.twitter.com/jZa1puaC11
— . (@CFC_Carneyy) February 19, 2025
With the Philips Stadion erupting, PSV had all the momentum, while Juventus looked rattled after conceding so late.
Ryan Flamingo Completes PSV’s Comeback in Extra Time
Juventus began extra time on the back foot, struggling to cope with PSV’s relentless attacking pressure.
In the 98th minute, PSV finally found the decisive goal as Ryan Flamingo tapped in from close range after a chaotic scramble in the Juventus box. Di Gregorio and Gatti failed to clear the danger, allowing Flamingo to pounce and send PSV into the lead on aggregate for the first time in the tie.
What a moment for PSV ⚽
Ryan Flamingo with a poacher’s finish in extra-time #SSUCL | #UCL pic.twitter.com/BLY7r8y8vM
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 19, 2025
Juventus’ Late Push Falls Short
Despite conceding, Juventus refused to give up, and they came agonizingly close to forcing penalties. Dusan Vlahovic had a golden opportunity but saw his six-yard effort crash against the post, much to the relief of PSV’s defense.
PSV held firm in the dying minutes, securing a dramatic victory and dumping Juventus out of the competition.
PSV Set for Last 16 Clash With Inter Milan or Arsenal
With this incredible extra-time triumph, Eindhoven advance to the Champions League last 16, where they will face either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
For Juventus, it’s another painful European exit, as their Champions League hopes come to an abrupt end despite taking a first-leg advantage.
PSV’s fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude ensured a historic night for the club, as they now set their sights on another European giant in the next round.
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