Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman spring PSV comeback for crucial Champions League victory

PSV was staring a shutout home UEFA Champions League loss in the face until the U.S. men’s national team duo of Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman saved the day.

Tillman scored twice while Pepi delivered the winning goal in the 96th minute as PSV rallied to defeat Ukrainian visitors Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 in Eindhoven. It was PSV’s second league phase win in this season’s competition, moving them to 18th in the standings.

Shakhtar held all the momentum for most of the match after Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov both scored in the first half. However, Pedro Henrique’s red card ejection in the 69th minute would flip the switch for PSV’s attack.

Tillman’s low free kick in the 87th minute cut PSV’s deficit to 2-1 and gave the hosts a major momentum boost.

The 22-year-old called his own number again in the 90th minute, this time rifling a long-range shot into the top-left corner. Hirving Lozano’s original effort was blocked, but Tillman picked up the rebound and delivered the equalizer for his second goal of the night.

PSV continued its fight for a winning goal and received one in the 96th minute through the in-form Pepi. A low cross into the box was not cleared by the Shakhtar backline, allowing Pepi to bundle home the loose ball.

It marked Pepi’s 10th goal of the season in all competitions and his 18th overall for the club.

Peter Bosz’s squad would hang on for a crucial three points, extending their winning streak to four matches.

The comeback result should give PSV added confidence heading into December 1’s top-two Eredivisie showdown with FC Utrecht.