In a night of high drama and heart-stopping action, PSV Eindhoven pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent Champions League history, scoring three late goals to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. The Dutch side looked down and out, trailing 2-0 with just three minutes of normal time remaining, but a sensational late surge saw them turn the match on its head and claim a vital three points.
Shakhtar’s Early Dominance
The Ukrainian champions started the match in blistering fashion, taking the lead after just eight minutes. A quick breakaway saw Yukhym Konoplia set up Danylo Sikan, whose shot squeezed past PSV goalkeeper Walter Benítez to give Shakhtar the perfect start. The visitors continued to dominate and doubled their advantage in the 37th minute, with Oleksandr Zubkov curling a superb finish beyond Benítez to put Shakhtar firmly in control.
PSV’s Late Surge
Despite creating numerous chances, PSV struggled to find a way past the resolute Shakhtar defense until a red card for Pedro Henrique in the 69th minute gave them a glimmer of hope. The hosts piled on the pressure, and their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick squeezed past Dmytro Riznyk at the near post to give PSV a lifeline.
Buoyed by the goal, PSV continued to pour forward, and Tillman struck again in the 90th minute, firing a thunderous strike from outside the area to level the scores. With Shakhtar reeling, PSV completed their stunning comeback in the fifth minute of stoppage time, as Ricardo Pepi finished off a flowing move to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
Other Champions League Action
Elsewhere, Benfica came from behind twice to defeat 10-man Monaco 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Goals from Vangelis Pavlidis, Arthur Cabral, and Zeki Amdouni secured the victory for the Portuguese side, who maintained their unbeaten start to the competition.
Borussia Dortmund cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, with goals from Jamie Gittens, Ramy Bensebaini, and Serhou Guirassy keeping the German side on course for a top-eight finish and an automatic place in the last 16.
This comeback is a testament to the character and resilience of our team. We never gave up, even when it seemed impossible, and that spirit carried us to victory.
– PSV manager Peter Bosz.
As the Champions League group stage reaches its climax, PSV’s stunning comeback serves as a reminder of the magic and unpredictability that make this competition so special. With the knockout stages looming, the Dutch side will be hoping to carry the momentum from this unforgettable night into the business end of the season.
