PSV Held by Shakhtar as Ruben van Bommel Responds to Critics
PSV Eindhoven opened their Champions League league phase with a 1-1 home draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, leaving Ruben van Bommel frustrated after the Dutch champions missed the chance to turn a strong second half into three points.
Gleiker Mendoza put Shakhtar ahead in stoppage time before the interval at the Philips Stadion, but Sergino Dest brought PSV level after the break. Van Bommel was a persistent danger and fired narrowly wide during PSV’s best spell, yet the hosts could not find a winner.
Who is affected
- PSV: The champions take one point from their European opener and have seven league-phase matches still to play.
- Ruben van Bommel: The winger said PSV had struggled with Shakhtar’s technical level early on and did not reach the tempo shown in the recent 3-1 domestic victory over Ajax. He also admitted he needs to add goals to his attacking work.
- Sergino Dest: His second-half finish rescued PSV after Mendoza’s late first-half opener for Arda Turan’s Shakhtar side.
- Aaron Bouwman: Van Bommel again expressed regret over his aerial collision with the defender in the Ajax match, an incident that left Bouwman in hospital with bruised lungs and chest bones. Van Bommel said he was relieved Bouwman is recovering relatively well, while urging people not to rush to condemn players online.
Van Bommel believes PSV can improve their finishing and build momentum despite the dropped home points. He said the team must keep its attention on the matches ahead rather than outside criticism.
What happens next
PSV return to domestic action before their next Champions League matchday. Their target is now a first European win of the campaign, with seven more league-phase fixtures available to recover ground.
