PSV began their comeback in Austria with two changes. Noa Lange was left on the bench due to minor complaints and Ishaq Babadi was replaced by Ismael Saibari. Before that, Sturm Graz coach promised to play a great match, and the Austrian team seemed to respond to that.
Sturm Graz started the game strong and deceived the PSV defense several times. Brian Teixeira had the opportunity to score an early goal early, but the striker shot wide of the goal. Shortly afterwards the visitors were also dangerous for the first time with a header from Luuk de Jong.
Sturm Graz’s opening goal came in the 28th minute. Patrick van Aanholt looked poor with a cross from the home team, allowing twenty-year-old William Boving to score powerfully. It was an impressive start, but the Dutch quickly got things back on track.
PSV return the favor quickly
Five minutes later the ball was already behind former Emen and Vitesse goalkeeper Kjell Scherben. Joey Fairman got the ball in front of his feet and scored beautifully. Shortly afterwards, captain Luuk de Jong – after a good cross from Jordan Tees – headed in the lead.
The spoils were secured and in the second half new signing Ricardo Pepe had an excellent opportunity to score his first official goal for PSV Eindhoven. The American was allowed to take a shot from the penalty spot – after Gregory Wuthrich committed an unfortunate handball – and calmly slotted a 1-3 into the net.
Angustgener Rangers
PSV Eindhoven will meet old acquaintances Rangers FC in the Champions League qualifiers. The Scots were held to a draw away to Swiss outfit Servette and that was enough after last week’s win to advance to the final qualifying round of the million-dollar ball.
Rangers – who attracted Danilo, Cyril Desers and Sam Lammers this summer – were also opponents for PSV Eindhoven in those crucial qualifiers last season. At the time, Eindhoven was choking on The Gers. The score was 2-2 at Ibrox, but last season’s second-placed team was surprised at home (0-1).
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