Ludogorets catch PSV cold

PFC Ludogorets Razgrad marked their UEFA Europa League debut with a deserved 2-0 Group B victory at PSV Eindhoven.

The first half was evenly balanced with chances at both ends but neither team managed to take control. The Bulgarian champions gradually gained the upper hand, though, and deservedly took all three points through fine second-half strikes from Roman Bezjak and Virgil Misidjan.

Both sides struggled to establish any early rhythm, although the visitors looked more coherent than a disjointed PSV. Yet it was Phillips Cocu's side who offered the first clear threat, Alexandre Barthe clearing off the line after Adam Maher lobbed keeper Vladislav Stoyanov. Bezjak almost fashioned an opening at the other end but could not get a clean contact on Dani Abalo's through ball, allowing Jeroen Zoet to save comfortably.

Shortly before half-time Jeffrey Bruma's header from a Zakaria Bakkali corner went a fraction wide, and Zoet had to react smartly to deny Fábio Espinho. Stoyanov then fisted away a Memphis Depay piledriver as the tempo increased, but the half ended goalless.

Tim Matavž clipped Depay's low cross narrowly over immediately after the restart, and Zoet denied Abalo soon after with a fine reflex save, but the young PSV keeper turned sinner on the hour mark, rushing from his box to clear a long through ball but only finding Bezjak, who expertly stroked home from all of 30 metres.

Dutchman Virgil Misidjan sealed the points with another composed finish. When the ball broke to him inside the box he curled a carefully-placed shot onto the post, then reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

The Eredivisie side introduced the experienced Stijn Schaars and Park Ji-Sung in attempt to retrieve the situation, but Ludogorets held on relatively comfortably to announce their arrival on the European stage.