PSV’s Champions League efforts ended with a 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield that sees them finish dead last in their group. With this loss they equally miss-out on a UEFA Cup spot and a chance to join fellow Eredivisie sides, Ajax and Twente and the earliest exit from European competition since 2002. PSV had a positive start taking the lead nine minutes before the break with Serbian international Danko Lazović scoring from close range after a corner had been dealt with poorly. However Liverpool leveled the match with the last second of added-time as Ryan Babel headed Lucas Leiva’s cross. That goal clearly took the wind from PSV’s sails as Liverpool was the much stronger side after the break. While the score was only a two goal advantage for the Reds, the work of Robbie Keane was superb and if Ryan Babel actually possessed the desire to pass to an open man, Liverpool would have certainly increased that difference. Liverpool doubled the margin with twenty-two minutes remaining as Albert Riera struck a brilliant drive from twenty-five plus meters and whatever fight PSV had wandered towards the exit. Robbie Keane continued a stellar evening as he fed PSG product David N’Gog with a perfect pass which the nineteen year-old converted. With nary an effort to draw back the match concluded with a 3-1 scoreline.PSV returns to action this Sunday as they travel to Arnhem to face Vitesse however before that time I expect significant discussion on the immediate future of the clubs discussion. Falling out of Europe and sitting fourth in the domestic table isn’t acceptable for the defending champion.
