PSV Eindhoven secured a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over Athletic Club Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the Spanish side’s late rally falling just short. The Dutch champions won the away leg 3-2 on Thursday night, following a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at San Mamés last week. The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Luuk de Jong headed in the winning goal, sending PSV through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2007. Athletic Club’s efforts to overturn the deficit were thwarted by the visitors’ resilient defense, with PSV goalkeeper Walter Benítez making several crucial saves. The match, played in front of a packed San Mamés stadium, saw both teams create numerous scoring opportunities, with Athletic Club’s Gaizka Larrazabal and PSV’s Ricardo Pepi netting braces. The victory marks PSV’s first European semi-final in 16 years, with the Dutch side now set to face either Arsenal or Bayer Leverkusen in the last four.
PSV Secures Narrow Victory Over Athletic Club
PSV secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Athletic Club in a thrilling Europa League clash at the Philips Stadion. The win, achieved through goals from Luuk de Jong and Guus Til, keeps PSV’s European ambitions alive.
The first half saw both teams create chances, but it was De Jong who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. The Dutch striker capitalised on a defensive error, slotting the ball past Unai Simón. Athletic Club equalised just before half-time through a well-worked team move finished by Iñaki Williams.
PSV manager Roger Schmidt praised his team’s resilience. “We showed great character to come back and win,” he said post-match. Athletic Club’s Gaizka Garitano expressed disappointment but acknowledged PSV’s quality.
The second half witnessed a flurry of attacking play from both sides. PSV’s Til scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, heading in a cross from Donyell Malen. Athletic Club pushed for an equaliser but found PSV’s defence resolute.
The victory places PSV in a strong position in Group E. They now turn their attention to their next fixture against Arsenal. Athletic Club, meanwhile, must regroup ahead of their domestic league commitments.
Late Goal Decides Europa League Showdown
PSV Eindhoven secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Athletic Club in their Europa League quarter-final first leg. The Dutch side’s victory came courtesy of a late goal from Luuk de Jong in the 85th minute, turning the tide of a tightly contested match.
Athletic Club took an early lead through Inaki Williams in the 34th minute. The Spanish forward capitalised on a defensive error to give his side a 1-0 advantage at half-time. PSV’s manager, Roger Schmidt, made tactical changes at the break, bringing on De Jong to add fresh impetus to the attack.
The substitute made an immediate impact, equalising in the 60th minute with a clinical finish. PSV’s pressure intensified as the match progressed, with Athletic Club’s defence struggling to contain the Dutch side’s relentless attacks.
De Jong struck again in the 85th minute, heading in a cross from Donyell Malen. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the PSV players and fans, securing a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg. Athletic Club’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the return fixture.
The victory puts PSV in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals. The second leg will take place next week, with Athletic Club needing to overturn the deficit to progress. Both teams will now focus on preparations for the decisive encounter.
PSV Advances in Europa League After Tense Match
PSV Eindhoven secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in their Europa League last-32 tie. The lone goal came from Guus Til in the 36th minute, a moment that ultimately decided the tie.
The match, played at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, saw both teams create chances but struggle to convert them. Athletic Club dominated possession, but PSV’s defence held firm. The visitors’ goalkeeper, Walter Benítez, made several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy praised his team’s defensive effort. “We knew Athletic Club would come at us,” he said post-match. “But our defence was outstanding. We’re happy to take the win and advance.”
The first leg, played in Eindhoven, ended in a 0-0 draw. PSV’s away-goals advantage was crucial in this second leg. The Dutch side will now progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde admitted his side’s disappointment. “We had chances, but we couldn’t capitalise,” he said. “PSV defended well and took their opportunity. We need to learn from this.”
The quarter-final draw will take place on Friday. PSV will be hoping to build on this victory and progress further in the competition.
Athletic Club Falls Short Despite Strong Performance
PSV Eindhoven secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Athletic Club Bilbao in a thrilling Europa League quarter-final first leg. The Dutch side took an early lead through Luuk de Jong’s header in the 28th minute. Athletic Club equalised just before half-time through a well-placed strike from Inaki Williams.
The second half saw PSV regain the lead through a controversial penalty converted by Cody Gakpo in the 65th minute. The decision to award the penalty sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Athletic Club’s manager Ernesto Valverde expressed his disappointment post-match.
Despite the loss, Athletic Club’s performance drew praise. PSV’s manager Roger Schmidt acknowledged the challenge his team faced. “Athletic Club played very well,” Schmidt said. “They made it difficult for us, but we managed to hold on.”
The second leg will take place next week in Bilbao. Athletic Club will need to overcome the deficit to progress to the semi-finals. PSV, meanwhile, will aim to defend their lead and secure a spot in the next round. The stage is set for another intense encounter between the two sides.
Europa League Drama: PSV Triumphs in Final Minutes
PSV Eindhoven secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League final. The Dutch side scored twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Athletic Club had led 3-2 with just 15 minutes remaining. Goals from Inaki Williams and Nico Williams had put the Spanish side in control.
PSV’s Luuk de Jong pulled one back in the 75th minute. The Dutch striker capitalised on a defensive error to give his side hope.
Then, in the 86th minute, Xavi Simons sealed the win. The young midfielder scored a cool finish after a swift counter-attack.
PSV manager Roger Schmidt praised his team’s resilience. “We never gave up,” he said. “Even when we were losing, we believed we could win.”
Athletic Club’s manager Ernesto Valverde lamented his side’s defensive lapses. “We had the game won,” he admitted. “But we made mistakes at crucial moments.”
The victory marks PSV’s first European trophy since 1988. The Dutch side will now qualify for next season’s Champions League.
PSV’s narrow victory over Athletic Club keeps their Europa League campaign on track. The win, secured in the dying minutes, maintains their position at the top of Group B with four games remaining. Both teams will now turn their attention to domestic competitions, with PSV hosting Fortuna Sittard in Eredivisie action this weekend, while Athletic Club prepares for their La Liga clash against Real Sociedad. The Europa League group stage resumes in two weeks, with PSV aiming to secure qualification to the knockout rounds. Athletic Club, despite the loss, still has a chance to advance, depending on results in other group matches.
