EINDHOVEN--PSV Eindhoven have qualified for the Europa League knockout round after a 1-0 win over Granada in Spain.
PSV headed into the game knowing a win would put them through, if Omonia Nicosia could beat PAOK Saloniki in the group’s other game.
PSV got off to a good start with Donyell Malen firing a good chance wide. The striker did make it 1-0 in the 38th minute after a good cross from Philipp Max.
Just before the goal, PSV lost Noni Madueke to an injury and he had to be replaced by Eran Zahavi. The striker had a chance to double PSV’s lead after the break, but his overhead kick was saved. Denzel Dumfries also smashed a shot wide when in on goal.
Granada applied some pressure before the end, but PSV held on for the victory, but lost both Zahavi and Dumfries to injuries.
With Nicosia beating PAOK 2-1 in the group’s other game, PSV have confirmed their place in the next round.
AZ-Napoli
AZ Alkmaar have their Europa League fate in their own hands after they drew 1-1 with Napoli on Thursday.
AZ went into the game looking to match or better Real Sociedad’s result against HNK Rijeka to keep their hopes alive, despite an excellent campaign so far.
AZ started brightly and had chances but in the sixth minute, Dries Mertens fired Napoli ahead after some poor defending from the hosts.
Zakaria Aboukhlal came close to an equaliser before the break but his strike was saved by David Ospina. At the other end, Marco Bizot denied Mertens his second.
AZ started well in the second half, and after Calvin Stengs had went close, the home side equalised in the 53rd minute. Bruno Martins Indi netted from close range after a fierce strike from Teun Koopmeiners.
On the hour, AZ could have taken the lead when Aboukhlal was brought down in the box. However, Ospina tipped Koopmeiners penalty onto the post.
AZ still pushed for a winner, but the game finished 1-1 which leaves Arne Slot’s side in a good position going into next week. If AZ defeats Rijeka in Croatia they progress to the next round, regardless of the result in the other game. A draw would also be enough should Napoli defeat Real Sociedad.
Feyenoord-Zagreb
Feyenoord Rotterdam lost 2-0 at home to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday evening leaving their Europa League hopes hanging by a thread.
Dick Advocaat brought Luciano Narsingh back into the starting 11 as Bryan Linssen replaced Nicolai Jörgensen through the middle. Tyrell Malacia and Orkun Kökcü also started.
Neither side created any chances of note in the opening stages as Feyenoord lost Bryan Linssen to a hamstring injury. Naoufal Bannis was his replacement.
On the stroke of half-time Uros Spajic went down with a clash of heads and while he was recovering on the side line, Zagreb were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul by Kökcü. Bruno Petkovic netted from the spot.
Eric Botteghin had to replace Spajic at the break as Feyenoord were dealt another injury blow. Seven minutes into the second half, Zagreb doubled their lead as Feyenoord’s defence was picked apart and Lovro Majer fired into the net.
Feyenoord should have pulled one back with just over 20 minutes left but Bannis completely missed the ball after Steven Berghuis pulled the ball back for the young striker.
That proved to be Feyenoord’s best chance as Dinamo eased to victory, which puts them into the knockout round. In the group’s other game, Wolfsberger won 1-0 at CSKA Moscow.
Feyenoord drop to third in the group and now need to beat Wolfsberger in Austria next week to avoid going out.
