PSV Eindhoven and Sporting CP played to a 1-1 stalemate at the Philips Stadion during matchday two of the UEFA Champions League.
The result maintained PSV’s impressive home record against Portuguese teams this century, which now stands at two wins and three draws.
Both clubs entered the match with perfect domestic records for the 2024/25 season, but their fortunes differed in the opening round of the competition.
While PSV suffered a 3-1 defeat to Juventus, they remained optimistic due to an unbeaten streak at home in UEFA competitions over the past two seasons.
PSV started strong, taking the lead within the first 15 minutes thanks to Jerdy Schouten, who scored his inaugural Champions League goal.
He capitalized on a loose pass and sent a stunning strike from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
In stark contrast, Sporting, fresh off a 2-0 victory against Lille, struggled in the first half. They failed to mount significant threats against PSV and suffered a blow when key defender Ousmane Diomande had to exit the game due to injury just over an hour in.
Despite their dominance, PSV couldn’t capitalize further in the second half. They came close to doubling their lead, with opportunities from Ismael Saibari and Guus Til missing the target within the first five minutes after the restart.
The home team’s relentless pressing continued to create problems for Sporting’s defense, yet Luuk de Jong narrowly missed extending the lead after a clever setup.
It wasn’t until nearly 70 minutes had passed that Sporting fashioned their best opportunity. Hidemasa Morita was through on goal thanks to a pass from Daniel Braganca, but he fumbled his shot, allowing PSV to escape unscathed.
PSV’s missed chances proved costly as the match neared its conclusion. Johan Bakayoko, usually dependable, intercepted a poor backpass, rounded the goalkeeper, but shockingly sent the ball wide of an open net.
Moments later, Sporting equalized when Maximiliano Araujo’s deflected cross found Bragança, who scored in front of ecstatic traveling fans.
In a frantic finish, neither side could secure a winner, and the draw extended Sporting’s unbeaten streak this season to nine matches.
