Football United

A goal from John de Jong four minutes from time earned PSV Eindhoven three important UEFA Champions League points away against Rosenborg BK to move the Dutch side top of Group E.

Late winner
The midfield player struck in the 86th minute as PSV became the first away side to win a Champions League match in Trondheim in over three years. PSV, who finished the game with ten men, lead the section with six points, while Rosenborg are fourth with a single point. The reverse fixture takes place on 2 November.

New-look strike force
Rosenborg fielded a new attacking lineup with Øyvind Storflor and Thorstein Helsted supporting striker Frode Johnsen in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation. PSV welcomed back veteran Philip Cocu in defence while Jefferson Farfán returned in midfield, Michael Lamey and Alex giving way.

Positive intent
Both sides had chances in the early minutes as each demonstrated attacking intentions. However, too many long passes meant that Rosenborg's Jan Gunnar Solli was forced to chase the ball rather than act as the central pivot between attack and defence, which allowed the visitors the opportunity to threaten with swift counterattacks.

De Jong denied
The best chance of the first 20 minutes fell to De Jong, who wrong-footed the defence only to fail to beat Rosenborg goalkeeper Espen Johnsen from five metres. However, the Norwegian champions also threatened, with a Fredrik Winsnes free-kick followed by a well-placed corner showing that Rosenborg were keen to impress having lost four of their last five Tippeligaen games.

Farfán breakthrough
PSV slowed the pace of the game down and took full advantage of a static Rosenborg defence to take the lead in the 26th minute. Vennegoor of Hesselink found himself with time and space to control and turn before playing in Farfán, who timed his run perfectly to prod between the legs of Espen Johnsen.

Storflor chances
Undeterred, the home team continued to bombard PSV with a succession of long, high passes, but the Dutch side's compact defence held firm, although Storflor did fail to convert two chances in quick succession.

Well-worked equaliser
Rosenborg then changed their tactics to play the ball through midfield and Ola By Rise's team were immediately rewarded for their increase in tempo, equalising with three minutes of the first half left. Captain Erik Hoftun began the move, finding Ståle Stensaas who broke down the left to the by-line before crossing for Storflor to head in.

Storflor flair
Rosenborg started the second half full of punch and again it was left winger Storflor who was the inspiration, lifting both his team-mates and the crowd. Hoftun nearly put the home team ahead following a corner seven minutes after the restart as PSV were pushed back.

Important stop
The Dutch side weathered the storm, however, and Farfán's free-kick forced Espen Johnsen to produce a flying stop two minutes before the hour, before De Jong blazed over when well placed.

Rosenborg on top
With Daniel Braathen replacing Thorstein Helstad on the right, Rosenborg began to threaten again, fulfilling Rise's pre-match promise to play with dedication and intelligence. PSV in contrast seemed satisfied with the draw, sitting deep and relying on the occasional counterattack.

Late winner
With the match drifting towards a draw and time running out, Vennegoor of Hesselink created his second goal of the night, beating Hoftun in the air and finding De Jong, who duly volleyed beyond Johnsen. Despite a last foray by Rosenborg, and the dismissal of Ji-Sung Park after the midfield player collected a second yellow card in added time, Guus Hiddink's side held on.

Goals: 26' Farfán (0-1), 42' Storflor(1-1), 86' De Jong (1-2)

Source: Uefa.com