Lens vs PSV
Tune in to catch the full match replay and thrilling highlights of the Lens vs. PSV clash. The action kicks off at 19:00 (GMT) on the 24th of October 2023. Officiating this exciting fixture is the esteemed referee R. Petrescu. The showdown takes place at the iconic Stade Bollaert-Delelis and is part of the high-stakes Europe – UEFA Champions League, Group B for the 2023/2024 season.
Lens vs PSV Full Match Reports
Lens secured a draw against a resilient PSV Eindhoven with Elye Wahi netting the equalizer at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on UEFA Champions League (UCL) matchday three. This result further complicates the hosts’ quest for their first UCL group stage progression since 2015.
Walter Benítez had to be alert to thwart Facundo Medina’s early attempt, as Lens’ high-press tactics created sporadic difficulties for PSV in the opening 15 minutes. As the 30-minute mark approached, PSV began to grow into the game. Hirving Lozano came agonizingly close to giving the visitors the lead with clever footwork that set up an angled shot, which rattled the inside of the post.
While Lozano had every reason to be disappointed, he continued to find spaces to exploit as halftime approached. PSV launched several promising counter-attacks against the reigning silver medalists of Ligue 1. However, the first half ended goalless, with neither side willing to take excessive risks.
Lozano once again threatened in the box shortly after the second half began, courtesy of an incisive pass from Joey Veerman. However, a well-timed tackle from Jonathan Gradit prevented him from getting a clean shot on goal. PSV’s purposeful start to the second half paid off just five minutes later. A counter-attack down the left flank saw Lozano set up Malik Tillman outside the box, who then passed to Johan Bakayoko on the wing. With audacity, Bakayoko struck a low, swerving shot from an acute angle, beating Samba inside his far post.
It was only at this point that Lens created their best opportunity of the first hour, with Wahi firing wildly over the bar. This was a disappointing ending to a passage of metronomic passing through the PSV lines. However, a similar move would undo PSV’s good work shortly afterward, with Wahi making no mistake this time. He met a fantastic in-swinging delivery from Przemysław Frankowski and volleyed it home from close range, leaving Benítez helpless.
Fresh memories of their comeback victory against Arsenal were clearly in Lens’ minds, and they appeared to be the stronger side as the game neared its conclusion. PSV displayed a newfound sense of urgency, but despite a few nervous moments, the visitors held on for a point that keeps their UCL hopes alive, although they remain without an away win in the UCL since November 2007. Lens, on the other hand, extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Man of the Match: Elye Wahi (Lens)