Sergino Dest helps PSV reach Champions League group stage

Dutch giants PSV emphatically booked its place back into the UEFA Champions League group stage with U.S. men’s national team fullback Sergino Dest delivering a second-straight impressive shift.

Dest logged 90 minutes at left back as PSV defeated Scottish side Rangers 5-1 on Wednesday night and 7-3 on aggregate to reach the UCL group stage. The Barcelona loanee retained his starting spot in Peter Bosz’s lineup and walked away with another confident boost at his new club.

Ismael Saibari scored twice for PSV while Luuk De Jong, Joey Veerman, and a Connor Goodson own goal all helped the Eredivisie club roll to a dominant victory. Despite James Tavernier’s finish in the 65th minute, PSV scored three additional goals to truly pad its lead at the Philips Stadion.

Dest won nine of 11 duels, made five recoveries, and completed two dribbles from his left back position.

Malik Tillman played the final three minutes off the bench while Ricardo Pepi was an unused substitute.

PSV will learn its group stage fate during Friday’s draw before visiting RKC Waalwijk in league play on Sept. 2.

Dest, Tillman, and Pepi will all be heading on USMNT duty following Saturday’s match with friendlies upcoming against Uzbekistan and Oman on home soil.