PSV seal top spot with Metalist stalemate

PSV Eindhoven clinched top spot in the UEFA Europa League Group I after a low-key 0-0 draw against FC Metalist Kharkiv.

The Ukrainian side created the most chances in a tepid first half, but lacked the sharpness to convert any of their openings. PSV were stronger after the break though they too failed to break the deadlock. Metalist's Denys Oliynyk came closest of all, clipping the post with a few minutes remaining.

The visitors created the first opening after 12 minutes, Taison skipping past Marcelo before firing a low drive that Cássio Ramos tipped past the post. At the other end Stijn Wuytens headed straight at Maxym Startsev from close range, but it was another 20 minutes before the next clear chance, Cleiton Xavier stroking millimetres past the post when clean through. Ramos then saved from Taison and Vitalie Bordian in quick succession as Metalist started to assert themselves.

PSV picked up in the second half, as Otman Bakkal brought a full-stretch save from Startsev then headed an Ibrahim Afellay cross a metre wide. Startsev did well to block Jeremain Lens as he tried to dribble past the Metalist keeper. Second-half substitute Jagoš Vuković fired just over from distance as the Eredivisie side continued to press.

However, with both teams already sure of qualification, there was little motivation to take risks, and the only other near-thing was when Oliynyk's low shot hit the outside of the post. PSV go into Friday's draw for the last 32 undefeated and as group winners, while Metalist can take pride in having kept a clean sheet in all three of their Group I away matches.