PSV Eindhoven began their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaign with a frustrating 1–1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Philips Stadion, recovering from a controversial first-half setback through Sergiño Dest’s early second-half equaliser. Peter Bosz’s side improved after the interval but could not turn their pressure into a winning goal.
Shakhtar took the lead in first-half stoppage time through Gleiker Mendoza. The goal came after Dest was left on the ground following a sliding challenge by Marlon near the centre circle, allowing Mendoza to collect possession in the space vacated on PSV’s right side. The attacker then cut inside and sent a low, curling strike into the far corner. PSV appealed for a foul on Dest, but VAR determined that Marlon had won the ball before making contact, so the goal stood.
Dest responded quickly after the break. Three minutes into the second half, the United States international arrived in the area to meet Armando Obispo’s cut-back and guide a composed finish beyond Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. The goal brought PSV level and shifted the momentum firmly toward the hosts.
PSV continued to press for a winner, with Ruben van Bommel going close when he drove an effort narrowly wide of the near post. The winger later had another attempt blocked, while Kodai Sano provided assurance in midfield as Bosz’s side controlled more of the ball and pushed Shakhtar deeper into their own half.
Sano’s European debut was an encouraging feature of PSV’s performance. The Japanese midfielder started alongside Guus Til and Paul Wanner, offering energy in possession and physicality in midfield as the hosts attempted to sustain their second-half improvement.
Obispo also played an important role in the equaliser, providing the assist for Dest from the left side of the penalty area. Lutsharel Geertruida partnered him at centre-back, with Filip Kostić completing PSV’s defensive line and Dest operating from right-back. Ryan Flamingo was introduced during the second half as Bosz adjusted his side in search of a decisive goal.
The result gave both PSV and Shakhtar one point from their opening league-phase fixture. PSV will be disappointed not to have converted their second-half dominance into victory, particularly after responding strongly to the disputed opening goal, but Dest’s finish ensured they avoided another defeat in a Champions League opener.
Elsewhere, Roma drew 1–1 with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. Bryan Cristante gave the Italian side a 39th-minute lead after being set up by Donyell Malen, but Archie Brown equalised three minutes into the second half after Mason Greenwood’s through ball opened up the Roma defence.
