PSV Depart Champions League with Pride, Emphasising Self-Expression

PSV bid farewell to the UEFA Champions League with their heads held high, drawing 2-2 against Arsenal in the away leg at London.

The reigning champions of the Dutch Eredivisie faced a heavy defeat in the first leg, losing 7-1 at home to Arsenal – the largest margin ever recorded by a Dutch team in Champions League history.

With the odds stacked against them, manager Peter Bosz opted to rest some key players for the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium. By including a few substitutes in the starting line-up, PSV managed to secure a commendable 2-2 draw, allowing the team to exit the tournament with pride.

“Coming here, you know it’s going to be tough,” stated captain Luuk de Jong in a post-match interview with Dutch television. “A 2-2 result is certainly a positive outcome.”

“It was less about the scoreline and more about making a statement. We played in an organised and compact manner, and we managed to create our own opportunities. I believe they’re also satisfied with a 2-2 result.”

Supported by 3,000 travelling fans in North London, PSV honoured their loyal supporters by covering the cost of their match tickets. The fans, in turn, made a significant impact, ensuring their presence was felt at the Emirates Stadium.

“They sang throughout the match,” De Jong continued. “They have been with us for the entire Champions League journey. That’s why we took the time to express our gratitude to them after the game; their support follows us wherever we play.”

‘I’ll just chip it’

Winger Couhaib Driouech, given the opportunity by Bosz as one of the reserves starting in the match, shone in the second half with a spectacular equaliser, deftly chipping the ball over goalkeeper David Raya from outside the penalty area.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Driouech exclaimed. “Before matches, I often envision different scenarios. I thought: if the chance arises, I’ll just chip it.”

“We suffered a 7-1 defeat. However, you still aim to make the most of the situation, and I believe we delivered a fantastic performance today.”