PSV Eindhoven clinched a significant victory against Red Star Belgrade, triumphing 3-2 at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on January 21, 2025. This hard-fought win bolsters PSV's ambitions for progression to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, putting them on the brink of playoff qualification.
Despite the loss, Chérif Ndiaye shone for the Serbian side, netting his second goal of the Champions League season. Yet, his efforts were insufficient to turn the tide for Red Star, which sits at 31st place with just three points from their six games, having been eliminated from contention for the playoffs.
PSV took control early on, with Luuk de Jong breaking the deadlock just 16 minutes in, heading home from a well-placed corner by Joey Veerman. Guus Til doubled the lead shortly after, scoring with another header following Luuk de Jong’s assist at the 22-minute mark. The Dutch side dominated possession and effectively limited Red Star's opportunities.
The match took a dramatic turn when PSV's Ryan Flamingo was shown red during the 51st minute, forcing the team to play with ten men. This numerical disadvantage allowed Red Star to find new energy, as they launched several attacks, culminating with Ndiaye scoring at the 70-minute mark.
Red Star's intensity paid off when Nasser Djiga capitalized on a corner, bringing the score to 2-3 just minutes later. The tension mounted as PSV struggled to maintain their composure under relentless pressure from the home side. PSV’s goalkeeper Walter Benitez faced multiple challenges but managed to keep the team afloat during some frantic moments.
After the final whistle, it was clear this match had dire consequences for Red Star, effectively sealing their fate as they cannot advance any farther this season. Their meager total of three points reflects the struggles they faced throughout the campaign, losing five of their six matches. Their only victory came against Stuttgart, who they soundly defeated 5-1, but such high points were few and far between.
Post-match reactions from both teams hint at different directions. PSV, with their victory, heads closer to the 24-team playoff threshold, driven by performances from their attackers like de Jong, who is currently enjoying a prolific goal-scoring run. On the other side, Red Star now looks forward but faces significant challenges, needing to regroup before their final group match against Young Boys.
With this match, PSV Eindhoven continues their campaign with renewed optimism, hoping to secure the necessary points to firmly establish their place among Europe’s elite teams. Chérif Ndiaye’s standout performance, though highlighting individual talent, couldn’t reverse the team's downward spiral, leaving Red Star at the crossroads of rebuilding and reevaluing their strategies for future competitions.
This encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams but also underscored the unpredictable nature of football—the league’s dynamic where fortunes can shift dramatically from one match to another. For PSV, the win serves as momentum, but for Red Star, it offers lessons about addressing weaknesses and adapting for the future.