The gate is open but still outside
Goetze’s dream of the title with PSV Eindhoven exploded late

14/4/2022, 9:37 PM

PSV Eindhoven are ahead against Leicester City after the first leg without goals at home. Mario Gotze’s team is approaching the semi-finals of the European Conference League, but the English turned the difference. Goetze’s hope for the title is gone.

Even the mighty Mario Gotze couldn’t stop PSV Eindhoven withdrawing in the European Conference League quarter-finals. The 2014 world champion set up the opening goal by Era Zahavi (27) in 1:2 (1:0) against Premier League club Leicester City. Thanks to the goals of James Madison (77) and Ricardo Pereira (88), the English were able to turn things around. In the first leg in Leicester, the two teams tied 0-0.

“We performed well, but in the end it was very bitter for us that we conceded two goals so quickly. It hurts,” said Goetze. Former Dortmunder and-Munchner, especially before the break, was convinced as a source of ideas and pace in German coach Roger Schmidt’s squad. In the 14th minute he showed himself with a direct shot in front of the opponent’s goal, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made a great save.

After the break, the guests pressed for a tie and pressed the defense around former Augsburg player Philipp Max. However, the Dutch still had opportunities to expand their advance. However, Joey Firman (53rd place) and Zahavi (58th) missed their chance to make the score 2-0 – it must be avenged.

Three minutes after replacing an exhausted Max, Madison made it 1-1 and Brendan Rodgers’ side were not satisfied with the potential extension. Ricardo Pereira scored the deserved winning goal after 11 minutes.

After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, the 2016 Premier League champions met AS Roma in the semi-finals, who clearly won 4-0 (3-0) against Bodo/Glimt of Norway. The German club is no longer represented in the competition. 1. FC Union Berlin was the only representative in the Bundesliga, but the capital was kicked out of the tournament, which is being played for the first time this season, after the group stage.