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Ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow, PSV caretaker coach Jan Wouters realistically hoped to take a point, making sure of a place in the UEFA Cup, but PSV even kept their hopes of advancing to the UEFA Champions League first knockout round alive as Jefferson Farfán's first-half goal gave them a hard-earned victory against CSKA Moscow in a make or break game. With one game to go, at the Philips Stadium against Internazionale on Wednesday 12 December, PSV have earned seven points and will play European football after the winter break at any rate.
PSV's rear guard, with Marcellis, Alcides, Salcido and Rajkovic, bravely held out in Moscow, while goalkeeper Gomes kept his team in the game by pulling off some fine saves in the closing stages. PSV will fly home tomorrow in high spirits. It is mission accomplished as they ran out 1-0 winners in Moscow.
On arrival at the stadium, PSV were pleasantly surprised when they were informed that CKSA would be without their three Brazilian stars Vagner Love, Jo and Carvalho. In defence, PSV started the game with Marcellis at right back and Rajkovic on the left flank, while Alcides was partnered with captain Salcido in the centre. Mike Zonneveld operated as left midfielder, Edison Méndez filled in for Simons as holding midfielder, while Afellay, who returned to the starting line-up again, provided support for the forward line. The game was evenly contested for thirty minutes. PSV did not take any risks and the home side in vain attempted to create an opening in the compact PSV defence. While the condition of the pitch gradually deteriorated, PSV created one slender chance, but Farfán sent his free kick just wide of the goal. Six minutes from half time PSV took the lead from their first meaningful attack. Dirk Marcellis, the only player on the pitch with short sleeves, cut down the right flank. After his cross had taken a deflection off CSKA captain Ignashevich, the ball fell to Jefferson Farfán, who simply tapped home a most valuable goal from one yard from goal; 0-1.
After the break CSKA surged forwards and threatened from a corner, but PSV controlled the game. CSKA strengthened their attacking options by bringing on Caner as a substitute. PSV took off Bakkal with ten minutes remaining and Culina came on as an extra holding midfielder. Jan Wouters also withdrew Farfán for Koevermans and Lazovic for Perez.
CSKA came close to scoring an equaliser after Méndez had been dispossessed, but PSV survived the scare. The hosts kept pushing, but Gomes pulled off a crucial last-minute save, making sure PSV had their mission accomplished.
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