PSV have reached the KNVB Beker semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over N.E.C. at the Philips Stadion on Thursday night, thanks to first-half goals from Mertens, Matavz and Strootman. All five goals were scored in the first 45 minutes, while no more goals were netted in the second half. The semi-final draw will be made in the stadium later tonight.
Dries Mertens gifted PSV an early lead.
Three competitions
PSV reached the final four, together with Heracles Almelo, Heerenveen and AZ. PSV last booked a place in the semi-finals in 2006 and they are currently still competing on three fronts. PSV were well worthy of their 3-2 win over a N.E.C. side who provided stubborn resistance at times. It was a mission accomplished for Fred Rutten’s men as the players braced themselves for arctic conditions, with temperatures in the stadium ten degrees below zero.
Five first-half goals
Rutten made three changes to the team that beat Vitesse 3-1 on their last outing. Mertens gifted PSV an early lead. N.E.C. keeper Babos parried a free-kick taken by Kevin Strootman and the Belgium international fired home the rebound. The visitors surged forwards looking for an equaliser and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 15th minute. Marcelo made a goalline clearance but the ball fell to Van der Velden who scored from a tight angle: 1-1. The Nijmegen outfit then created a number of chances, with George hitting the bar, but PSV regained the lead in the 41st minute when Tim Matavz got on the end of a well-worked move. Only two minutes later, Strootman gave the hosts a two-goal cushion. Lens delivered the perfect cross from the left and Strootman´s first-time shot comfortably beat the keeper: 3-1. N.E.C., however, reduced the deficit in stoppage time of the first half. Tyton pushed George’s shot away and Schöne found the back of the net with a volley from the edge of the box.
Tim Matavz outjumps his marker Rens van Eijden.
No second-half goals
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Wijnaldum sustained a serious head injury following an awkward collision and was replaced by Labyad. PSV had some good chances after the break in an entertaining and end-to-end affair, but N.E.C. prevented the home side from scoring a fourth goal. Wuytens came on for Willems, while at the other end substitute Platje put the ball on the roof of the net fifteen minutes from time. PSV held on for a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals of the KNVB Beker.
Dries Mertens gifted PSV an early lead.
Tim Matavz outjumps his marker Rens van Eijden.
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