Malen Haunts Former Club, Earns Dortmund Vital Draw at PSV in Champions League Clash
Dutch striker Donyell Malen returned to his former stomping ground with a vengeance, snatching a crucial away goal to earn Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last-16 first-leg.
PSV’s Missed Chances and Tough Task Ahead
PSV, boasting an unbeaten Eredivisie campaign, was left lamenting a missed opportunity after squandering a flurry of first-half chances. The task now becomes considerably tougher for them, requiring a victory in the second leg on German soil.
The Dortmund Dilemma: Which Team Will Show Up?
The pre-match narrative centered around which Dortmund would show up: the dominant force that conquered the “Group of Death” or the inconsistent Bundesliga outfit.
The opening exchanges, played in an electrifying Eindhoven atmosphere, were cagey, with the home fans adding to the drama with a pre-kick fireworks display.
PSV’s Early Dominance and Dortmund’s Unexpected Lead
PSV initially controlled the flow, with Mexican winger Hirving Lozano posing a constant threat down the left.
However, it was their profligacy in front of goal that proved costly. Midfielder Malik Tillman, in particular, squandered two clear-cut chances, sending one shot wide after a delightful pass from Luuk de Jong.
Dortmund capitalized on PSV’s profligacy, taking an unexpected lead in the 24th minute. Malen, prolific for the German side with 55 goals in 43 games, squeezed a deflected shot into the top corner, refusing to celebrate against his former supporters.
PSV’s Fightback and Controversial Equalizer
Tillman continued his woes, somehow missing another seemingly easier header, followed by Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko fluffing a shot wide. With PSV’s perfect home record under threat, they went into the break trailing 1-0.
Determined to avoid defeat, PSV roared back in the second half, and the equalizer soon arrived. Tillman, redeeming himself, won a penalty in the 56th minute, which De Jong coolly converted.
Dortmund players protested vehemently, claiming Mats Hummels had gotten the ball first, but the decision stood.
Late Drama and Reflection
The equalizer opened up the game, with both sides creating chances. Marius Wolf forced a sharp save from the PSV goalkeeper, while Bakayoko squandered a late opportunity after waltzing through the Dortmund defense.
As the final whistle blew, PSV were left wondering what could have been. Despite their dominant first-half display, their missed opportunities ultimately cost them valuable points.
Dortmund, on the other hand, will be content with the away goal, knowing they have a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at home.
