PSV draw again in the Champions League against RC Lens (1-1)

PSV have still not won in the Champions League this season. The Eindhovenaren did not get further than a draw at RC Lens in France: 1-1. With two points, Peter Bosz’s side is bottom of group B and will need a win in the home match in two weeks against Lens to give themselves a fighting chance of making the next round.

PSV have waited nearly eight years for a win in the main stage of the Champions League. Their last victory was in December 2015 when they beat CSKA Moscow 2-1. The club from Brabant had seventeen matches after this and has not won one of them.

With nine convincing victories in a row and a goal difference of 30-3, PSV have not had much to worry about in the Eredivisie. But they have not been able to showcase their talents in the Champions League. Against the strong Arsenal (4-0), it was understandable, but after the 2-2 against Sevilla (thirteenth in Spain), PSV also struggled against Lens (fifteenth in France).

PSV were pegged back in the opening stages in the stadium Bollaert-Delelis. Bosz’s side looked nervous and uneasy. PSV were limited to stopping the fierce and physical Lens until halfway through the first half and were only able to gain some meaningful possession after that.

Hirving Lozano, who came in for the injured Noa Lang, caused the first bit of danger in the 27th minute and was nearly successful. The Mexican cut inside from the left and hit the post. That was the only chance of the half, as Lens did not create anything.

The initiative at the start of the second half was from PSV. Lozano had no luck the first time around, but Johan Bakayoko did later on. The Belgian surprised goalkeeper Brice Samba in the 54th minute with a place shot in the left corner (0-1).

PSV relinquished control relatively quickly. Centre-back Andre Ramalho let Elye Wahi get in front of him halfway through the second half, and the striker shot the ball past Walter Benitez (1-1).

In a hectic ending to the match, both sides went looking for the winner, but it did not come.