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PSV book place in the last sixteen (PSV.nl)

1 Nov 2006 - Source: PSV.nl

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Timmy Simons opened the scoring and Arouna Koné doubled the lead as PSV booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League after only four group C games with a convincing 2--0 win against ten-man Galatasaray in the Philips Stadium. Liverpool saw off Bordeaux 3-0.PSV have amassed an incredible ten points from their four games, just like Liverpool. Galatasaray and Bordeaux have earned just one point so far. P SV Eindhoven have qualified for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase for the third season in a row, an awesome achievement. PSV made sure of victory in the second half, after Galatasaray were reduced to ten men five minutes from half time. Cheered on by an enthusiastic home crowd PSV put in an entertaining performance on a wonderful night. PSV and Liverpool will vie for the first place in group C, but PSV have already reached their main target. Never before did a Dutch club succeed in securing a place in the final sixteen after only four group games. PSV immediately picked up the pace in the sold out Philips Stadium, where the crowd created a tremendous atmosphere and Koné as well as Salcido threatened. After Koné had earned other chance, it became an equally contested affair. Galatasaray put pressure, moved men forward, combined well and frequently won the ball. PSV found it hard to find their rhythm and the Turks made it clear they had come to Eindhoven to put up tough resistance. The visitors suddenly faced an uphill battle, though, when Farfán, who was on his way to the goal, was pushed down by Stjepan Tomas just outside the penalty box on 38 minutes. The Croatian defender was shown a straight red card, so Galatasaray were reduced to then men. PSV got a golden opportunity to open the scoring on the stroke of half time, but Koné failed to connect with a sharp Farfán cross. At half time Koeman brought on midfielder Jason Culina for defender Jan Kromkamp, by which PSV tried to make the most of the numerical advantage. The deadlock was finally broken on 59 minutes. Farfán took a free kick that was headed on by Cocu. Goalkeeper Mondragón managed to save the header, but the ball fell to Timmy Simons who headed home the easiest of goals from just one yard out. The Philips Stadion erupted. The hosts upped a gear in search of a second goal. Koné headed wide, with the goal at his mercy. Farfán had a penalty appeal turned down, before he scored a goal, but was adjudged to have been offside.PSV doubled their advantage on 84 minutes. Cocu delivered the pass. Arouna Koné’s first touch was great. The Ivory Coast striker rounded Inamoto as well as goalkeeper Mondragón and found some space before blasting home. He has scored goals in five successive games and found the net in both clashes with Galatasaray. He was taken off two minutes from time and the crowd rewarded his fine performance with a standing ovation. Straight after the final whistle had gone, celebrations started. PSV have done it again: they have qualified for the Champions League knockout phase for the third season in as row!