empty effort in empty stadium against Atlético Madrid

PSV's chances to advance to the final sixteen of the Champions League ended with a 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid. With everything on the line, PSV's effort was completely unacceptable and the best that can be said of it was that is was before a closed Vicente Calderón Stadium. Tied at three points with Olympique Marseille, PSV's ability to advance to the UEFA Cup will be contingent upon success against Liverpool with Atlético Madrid facing Marseille.

Simão gave Atlético Madrid the lead fourteen minutes into the match when Carlos Salcido's clearing effort proved dismally inadequate and lead to the 1-0 lead. While the home side had no support in the cavernous stadium they were in complete control of the match and could have easily doubled if it wasn't for the work of 'keeper Andreas Isaksson. However two minutes before the half-hour mark as Simão's corner struck Francisco Rodríguez in his mid-section and came to Maxi Rodríguez, who neatly struck the ball to the back of the net. With a two goal lead, the benefit of miserable defending blunders, PSV decided to start to play some Footy and were able to draw one back with Danny Koevermans poaching on a loose ball in-close two minutes after the break. PSV fought hard back but couldn't break through and once again, the lesson that defense will win championship is shown.

PSV will returns to Eredivisie action on Saturday to face Heerenveen.