PSV Eindhoven managed to salvage a 1-1 draw at home against Shakhtar Donetsk, successfully breaking a dismal streak of five consecutive opening-match losses in their recent UEFA Champions League campaigns. While the Dutch side was unable to secure their first Matchday 1 victory since 2015, the point provides a necessary foundation as they look to improve upon last season’s disappointing 28th-place finish in the group phase.
The visitors silenced the home crowd late in a cagey first half when Gleiker Mendoza maneuvered inside from the flank and fired a precise low strike past goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Trailing at the break, PSV returned with renewed intensity and leveled the score shortly after the restart. The ball was worked across the penalty area to Sergino Dest, who calmly slotted an inch-perfect shot into the bottom corner to secure the draw. The report also notes that the Dutch club had lost their Matchday 1 fixtures in their last five Champions League appearances and trailed at halftime before Sergino Dest ensured a point.
