Luuk de Jong came to the forefront by converting a penalty in the second half, preventing Jadon Sancho from having a triumphant return to the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund.
The experienced striker, representing PSV Eindhoven, stepped up and equalized, while Sancho continued his journey towards professional redemption during his loan spell from Manchester United. Although Sancho showed glimpses of his talent before being substituted, it was De Jong, the former Newcastle United player, who stole the spotlight. Currently enjoying the most prolific phase of his lengthy career, De Jong scored his 27th goal of the season, further intensifying the balance of the Champions League last-16 tie.
PSV, who remain undefeated in the Eredivisie, put up a strong challenge against the visitors after falling behind in the 24th minute. Marcel Sabitzer, another former Manchester United player, played a role in the goal after Dortmund capitalized on a turnover deep within PSV’s territory.
The goal-scoring sequence unfolded when Marcel Sabitzer, the Austrian international, supplied a pass to Donyell Malen. Malen showcased his speed as he maneuvered past two defenders and attempted a shot from a challenging angle. Fortuitously, his strike took a deflection, eluded goalkeeper Walter Benitez, and found the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar.
Nevertheless, PSV swiftly responded after the break. Mats Hummels engaged in a challenge with Malik Tillman as the midfielder advanced into the penalty area. Initially, Hummels managed to win the ball, but his follow-through inadvertently caught his opponent. Capitalizing on the resulting penalty kick, Luuk de Jong maintained composure from the 12-yard mark to equalize, leaving the outcome of the tie delicately balanced heading into the second leg.
Commenting on the match, Glenn Hoddle remarked on TNT Sports, “There’s very little that separates these two teams, as they showcased tonight. PSV may have had the edge with the momentum they carried in the second half.”
Despite rejoining Dortmund on loan from Manchester United in January, Jadon Sancho is still in search of his first goal. In his initial two Bundesliga appearances, he did manage to contribute two assists, but he has yet to find the back of the net.
On the other hand, Donyell Malen’s goal against his former club marked his first in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The 25-year-old had previously scored 55 goals in 116 games for PSV. As a sign of respect for his former team, Malen refrained from celebrating after opening the scoring in the match.
