PSV set up Feyenoord showdown
Thursday, February 28, 2002
Article summary
A last-minute goal from PSV Eindhoven sent Leeds United AFC crashing out of the UEFA Cup.
Article body
Leeds United AFC 0-1 PSV Eindhoven (Agg: 0-1)
Grand finale
With just seconds left before the final whistle, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink pounced on the rebound from a miscued Theo Lucius shot which had hit the crossbar to score the only goal of the two-legged tie and send PSV into a quarter-final meeting with their fellow Dutch side Feyenoord.
Profligate finishing
Leeds had spurned a host of chances at Elland Road after securing a creditable 0-0 draw in the first leg in the Netherlands and were made to pay for their profligacy by PSV's late winner.
O'Leary disconsolate
Bakke comes close
Despite failing to score in four of their previous five matches, Leeds came close to a stunning start with Eirik Bakke drilling a 20-yard half-volley just wide of Patrick Lodewijks' right-hand post after 85 seconds. It was the first of many near things for Leeds who, in the 12th minute, saw Mark Viduka let fire from inside the area only for Lodewijks to fling out an arm and deflect the ball away for a corner.
Kewell off target
A brilliant one-two in the PSV area between Viduka and Harry Kewell came close to unlocking the visiting defence in the 20th minute, with the latter's angled shot just missing Lodewijks' left-hand post. Leeds remained in control, but the missed chances were beginning to mount as another went begging in the 29th minute with Gary Kelly and Viduka setting up Lee Bowyer for a shot which the midfield player dragged wide.
Smart save
A quickly taken Danny Mills free-kick in the 40th minute allowed Alan Smith to get behind the PSV defence and once again Lodewijks produced a smart save with his body. Then, on the stroke of half-time, another sharp Leeds break involving Kelly and Viduka set up a shooting chance from Bakke and his 20-yard drive was acrobatically tipped over the bar by the keeper.
PSV rally
The visitors' best effort of the half had come from André Ooijer who headed just wide in the 32nd minute. However, PSV gave a much-improved performance in the second period and their intricate passing and sharp movement around the box caused O'Leary's team numerous problems, with Mark van Bommel directing play from the middle of the pitch.
Kezman on target
Mateja Kezman found space to lash the ball towards goal and force Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn into a stunning one-handed save midway through the second period. As Eric Gerets' side continued to press, Rommedahl's low cross picked out Vennegoor of Hesselink in the area who screwed a shot the wrong side of the far post.
Worthy winner
PSV continued to dominate as the game reached its death and with Vennegoor of Hesselink becoming an ever-increasing factor in the match, it was a just reward when he finally sealed the match.
'Great difficulty'
"In the first half Leeds were the better team and they deserved to score," admitted PSV coach Gerets. "We had great difficulty pressing them back but in the second half they were more tired, we got a little space and used it well. I was pleased with the performance in the second half and because of those 45 minutes we deserve to be playing Feyenoord in the quarter-finals."