Dnipro punish PSV lapses to prevail

FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk got their UEFA Europa League campaign off to a fine start by capitalising on a pair of defensive errors to beat PSV Eindhoven at the Dnipro Arena.

After a first half of few opportunities, the hosts took control in the second period, scoring twice in an eight-minute spell. Brazilian striker Matheus netted the opener with an opportunistic header before Atiba Hutchinson's own goal ensured that PSV return to the Netherlands empty-handed.

Dnipro enjoyed the best of a cagy opening few minutes, with Ruslan Rotan and young Brazilian Giuliano lively in midfield. Yevhen Konoplyanka, whose delivery from dead-ball situations impressed throughout, drew an early save from Boy Waterman with a cross-shot from the left.

The visitors soon began to settle, however, spraying the ball about at the back and looking to bring their pacy forwards into the game. Jeremain Lens had their first sniff of goal from Jetro Willems' low cross, but the ball skipped away from the 24-year-old. At the other end, Dnipro's threat continued via Konoplyanka, who peppered Waterman's goal with shots from range.

The second half brought an even more attacking outlook from Dnipro, but it would be a defensive misjudgement that sparked their breakthrough. PSV defender Timothy Derijck failed to deal with a clearance from Jan Laštůvka and that allowed Matheus to nip in, his header clearing the stranded Waterman before bouncing off the crossbar and into the net.

The hosts then doubled their advantage soon afterwards, profiting from another PSV lapse as Strootman was robbed by Giuliano, whose low cross was turned into his own net by Hutchinson. PSV rallied but could not reduce the arrears, despite a lively cameo from substitute Memphis Depay. The youngster's acrobatic volley was the closest the visitors came on a frustrating evening for coach Dick Advocaat.