Atletico Madrid Survive Late PSV Surge to Secure Hard-Fought Champions League Victory
Atletico Madrid edged PSV 3–2 in a dramatic Champions League clash at the Philips Stadion. After falling behind early, Atletico struck through Julian Alvarez, David Hancko and Alexander Sorloth before PSV’s late surge cut the deficit. Despite heavy pressure, the visitors held firm to secure an important away win.
PSV made the brighter start and went ahead in the 10th minute through Guus Til, who tapped into an empty net after Couhaib Driouech burst down the left flank and squared unselfishly for a simple finish. The hosts could have doubled their advantage soon after, but Driouech failed to capitalise—first dragging a shot wide, then puzzlingly choosing to pass to an offside teammate rather than shoot from eight yards with only Jan Oblak to beat.
That hesitation proved costly. Atletico punished PSV’s lapse in concentration when Giuliano Simeone dispossessed a seemingly unaware Yarek Gasiorowski during a short goal-kick routine. Julian Alvarez pounced to level the score, shifting momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour.
The Spanish side took control after the break. David Hancko reacted quickest to tuck home a rebound following Nahuel Molina’s driven effort, giving Atletico the lead for the first time. Their grip strengthened moments later when Alexander Sorloth rose unmarked to head in Pablo Barrios’ precise cross, establishing a two-goal cushion that appeared decisive.
PSV, however, refused to capitulate. Substitute Ricardo Pepi reignited hope five minutes from time, converting at the back post from a corner. The home crowd roared as Peter Bosz’s men pressed desperately for an equaliser, but Armando Obispo squandered their best late chance, unable to force the ball over the line from close range.
The result lifted Atletico to seventh in the table, while PSV slipped to 19th, a frustrating outcome for a side that began the match with promise but failed to make their dominance count. Atletico, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience characteristic of Simeone’s tenure, surviving defensive lapses and late pressure to secure a valuable away victory in a demanding European campaign.

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