Football United

PSV had a historical night, when they qualified for the UEFA Champions League knock-out phase for the first time in their rich history. They had failed to progress to the next round on eight previous occasions. The final score of a thrilling cup tie against Arsenal was 1-1 on a great night full of drama. Rosenborg BK and Panathinaikos shared the points in the other group tie. PSV have collected now ten points, which is enough to send them through. Arsenal were reduced to nine men; both Lauren and Patrick Vieira were sent off after they had been shown a second yellow card.

As soon as the final whistle went and the favourable result in Norway was confirmed, the celebrations in Eindhoven started. The players threw their arms around each other and in carnival-like circumstances they did a lap of honour in front of an ecstatic, sell-out crowd.

PSV had a dream start. Defender André Ooijer delivered a glancing header from a Mark van Bommel inswinging corner at the near post; 1-0. The crowd went wild and after this sensational opening goal, PSV were the better team in the following twenty minutes. Arsenal came dangerous close to PSV keeper Gomes twice in the first period. Henry dispossessed his marker Bouma, but shot into the side netting from an acute angle. The Gunners did take advantage of their second opportunity, though. On 31 minutes Thierry Henry cut in from the right flank and set up Freddie Ljungberg, who superbly back-heeled the ball to Henry. The French striker drilled a low shot in the corner of the goal; 1-1. It then became an equally contested game. Both teams showed fighting spirit in a game played at a high pace and the players tried to win every ball.

After the break the two sides carried with what they had been doing in the first period: entertain the crowd in an open game. On the hour mark PSV captain Mark van Bommel started a fine solo run, which brought out a good save from Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann. Arsenal took off José Antonio Reyes for Robin van Persie, who was booed by the crowd as welcome. On 65 minutes defender Lauren was shown yellow for a high tackle on Young-Pyo Lee. It was the second time he was booked, so he was given his marching orders.
Guus Hiddink immediately brought on DaMarcus Beasley for Johann Vogel, but it was Arsenal who threatened from a few lethal counter attacks. Henry had a shot tipped around the post by Gomes and when Ljungberg had been set up, following a fantastic Henry pass, Gomes kept his side in the race once more. PSV moved forward with Gerald Sibon, Jefferson Farfán, DaMarcus Beasley and Ji-Sung Park as strikers up front. Defender Alex was close to scoring the goal of relief, but he missed a cross from the left by some inches.

There was more excitement when Patrick Vieira Vieira?s received his second booking on 78 minutes. Two minutes later substitute Van Persie injured himself in an aerial fight with Gerald Sibon and had to be stretchered off the pitch. Alex and Park earned chances, but it was still 1-1 after 90 minutes. Fortunately there was no change in the score line in Trondheim any more, so PSV were through to the next phase and the parties could begin.

Goals: 8´ Ooijer (1-0); 31´ Henry (1-1)

Source: PSV.nl