PSV Eindhoven kept their Champions League dreams alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory over 10-man Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night, powered by a late surge led by Malik Tillman.
Shakhtar took an early lead when Danylo Sikan stretched to meet Yukhym Konoplia’s cross in the 8th minute, beating Walter Benitez.
Konoplia was instrumental again in the 68th minute, slipping a pass to Oleksandr Zubkov, who curled a composed finish into the bottom corner.
However, Shakhtar’s momentum shifted after Pedro Henrique received a straight red card for a challenge on Johan Bakayoko just before the 70th minute.
With Shakhtar down to 10 men, Tillman sparked PSV’s comeback. He sneaked a free-kick past Dmytro Riznyk at the near post in the 87th minute, then unleashed a thunderous strike from distance three minutes later to level the score.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, substitute Ricardo Pepi completed the turnaround, tapping home from close range to send the Philips Stadion into wild celebrations.
PSV’s win not only propelled them to 18th place in the 36-team standings but also marked a historic achievement. It was the first time in Champions League history that a team trailing by two or more goals as late as the 87th minute went on to win in regulation time.
PSV have now pulled off two such comebacks in their last four matches, following a similar 3-2 victory over Sevilla in November 2023, having lost their first 38 games when trailing by two or more goals.
Tillman’s heroics were pivotal. The American playmaker, who has now contributed five goals, three goals, two assists, in his last two Champions League appearances, set a new record for most goal involvements by an American in a single Champions League campaign.
His performance mirrored the resilience shown by fellow Eredivisie side Feyenoord earlier in the week, who also staged a comeback against Manchester City.
