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PSV staged a stunning comeback to claim a 4-2 win over FC Groningen on Saturday. The Dutch champions showed character and fighting spirit and came from two goals down at half time to claim an incredible victory. Otman Bakkal and Nordin Amrabat, who were brought on as substitutes at half time, were involved in all four second-half goals.
Game turned upside down
PSV put in a lacklustre first-half display and were two goals down at half time as things were definitely not looking bright for Huub Stevens' team. The PSV coach brought on Otman Bakkal and Nordin Amrabat at half time and the two substitutes turned the game upside down. PSV showed resilience and fighting spirit and as Bakkal and Amrabat were inspirational, they converted every chance. The Philips Stadium erupted as PSV scored four goals in the space of fifteen minutes. The defence was suddenly rock solid and the forwards constantly produced goal threat. The players, who looked dead and buried after 45 minutes, staged an incredible comeback and will remember this game as any in their careers.
Poor first-half display
Danny Koevermans and Mike Zonneveld were ruled out of tonight's game due to a calf and a knee injury respectively and PSV coach Huub Stevens was also without Ibrahim Afellay and Jan Kromkamp. Dirk Marcellis had recovered from injury and took his place in the heart of defence, while Stijn Wuytens returned in midfield. Nordin Amrabat, who made an appearance for Young PSV on Thursday, started on the bench. Nijland started up front against his former club with Danko Lazovic and Balázs Dzsudzsák. PSV offered little attacking threat in the opening stages, while the visitors controlled the opening period, putting pressure on PSV's defence and creating a number of chances. Stenman produced a header that flew just over the bar. Gonzalo Garcia, who was outstanding throughout the first half, turned his man before delivering a great backheel into the path of Marcus Berg. The FC Groningen striker shrugged off Jason Culina and smashed in a right-foot strike from close range in the 31st minute: 0-1. Some minutes later, Nijland went down in the box under a challenge but referee Nijhuis waved play on. Nijland flicked a shot over the bar on the stroke of half time, while at the other end the visitors from FC Groningen doubled the margin in the dying seconds. Captain Lovre evaded his marker and tapped home a cross from the right: 0-2.
Four goals in a fifteen-minute spell
Wuytens and Nijland were withdrawn at the break and replaced by Bakkal and Amrabat and the substitutions paid huge dividends for the home side as PSV scored four goals in a crazy fifteen-minute spell. Bakkal played a 1-2 with Lazovic after 54 minutes and coolly reduced the deficit; 1-2. Three minutes later Amrabat delivered a cross that Simons headed the ball on and Bakkal restored parity on the turn; 2-2. PSV smelt blood and surged forward, with the fans backing the team as the 12th man. Amrabat hit the bar in the 61ste minute and Lazovic headed home the rebound to give PSV the lead; 3-2. PSV wanted more and when Amrabat was put clean, he unselfishly laid the ball off for Lazovic who blasted home PSV's fourth goal; 4-1. FC Groningen felt dizzy as PSV held on for a morale-boosting victory. They have little time to celebrate as they entertain Liverpool in the Champions League final Group D game on Tuesday in a bid to book a UEFA Cup spot. The fans gave the players, who were booed off the pitch at half time, a standing ovation at the final whistle.
