Polished PSV eliminate Dinamo Zagreb

PSV Eindhoven eased to a 2-0 victory against GNK Dinamo Zagreb to strengthen their grip on second place in UEFA Europa League Group B while eliminating their opponents.

The Dutch hopefuls dominated the opening 45 minutes and deservedly took the lead when Adam Maher drilled a close-range shot into the roof of the net. Ola Toivonen then made the points safe after the break when his effort deflected off Jürgen Locadia and past Oliver Zelenika.

The game quickly settled into a pattern; PSV on the front foot, the visitors content to sit back and wait for an opportunity to release lone striker Sammir. Neither tactic produced a threatening goal attempt until Toivonen tested Zelenika from distance on 19 minutes. The goalkeeper then blocked the Sweden forward's header with a flying save.

The constant pressure eventually reaped its reward when Maher opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark. After some rapid passing, Luciano Narsingh found space on the right and his low cross was swept in by the PSV midfielder.

Dinamo started the second period more aggressively and managed to work the ball forward on several occasions – albeit without seriously testing Przemysław Tytoń. Unfortunately for them, the next goal arrived at the other end. Narsingh once again escaped down the right and Toivonen's side-footed shot from just inside the box was nudged past Zelenika by Locadia.

The Dinamo custodian prevented further damage with a good block from a stinging Maher attempt. Memphis Depay hit the post, substitute Florian Jozefzoon spooned his shot wide when clean through and Maher rattled the crossbar from 20 metres as PSV's dominance continued. And so the Croatian side's poor away record in UEFA competition group stages was prolonged: this was their ninth straight defeat. PSV, meanwhile, stand on the brink of the knockout round.