da apostaganha： Ricardo Pepi was the hero that PSV needed as the striker came off the bench to score a stoppage time Champions League winner against Sevilla.
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Pepi scores last-gasp winnerDest provided assistPSV's Champions League dream remains aliveWHAT HAPPENED?
After 24 minutes, Sevilla seized the lead, with the goal coming from a familiar face to anyone that's watched this competition over the last two decades. Sergio Ramos, who made his return to Sevilla this summer after 18 years away, headed home the opener as his side seized the advantage on home turf.
They seemingly doubled that advantage in the first half on a goal from Djibril Sow, but the goal was called back for a handball in the buildup. Sevilla wouldn't be denied, though, as Youssef En-Nesyri made it 2-0 just two minutes into the second half.
The game shifted, though, in the 66th minute when Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos was sent off for a second yellow card. Two minutes later, PSV were back in it as Ismael Saibari scored to bring his side back within a goal on a Dest assist.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, PSV then found their equalizer, levelling the score at 2-2. Yorbe Vertessen's header across the line was turned in by Sevilla's Nemanja Gudelj, setting up a frantic ending for all involved.
Pepi, ultimately, proved the main character of that ending, as his header in stoppage time sealed three massive points for PSV. The goal was Pepi's first in the Champions League, and it was the one that keeps his side in the competition going forward.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With the win, PSV have gotten out of the group, which certainly wasn't the case earlier in the day. When trailing, PSV would have needed a miracle to stay alive but, having completed the comeback, they're set to go through in second place.
They needed some help from Arsenal, who faced Lens later in Wednesday's other match. With Arsenal's 6-0 win, Lens will enter the final day three points behind PSV. However, due to PSV's four points against Lens, the Dutch side has locked up second place.
With the loss, Sevilla are eliminated from the Champions League and will need a win over Lens to earn a third-place finish and a Europa League spot.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
After finding himself under fire for a boneheaded red card during the international break, Dest was back to his best for his club on the biggest stage in Europe. The fullback remains a consistent starter for PSV and, in this one, he began the match on the left-hand side once again.
His assist on PSV's first goal came via a perfectly-placed cross, one that looped just past Sevilla's defense. It's the type of attacking help he can provide and a glimpse into what makes him such a valuable asset to a team that needs an attack-minded fullback.
His USMNT teammates, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi, were tossed into the match in the second half with PSV chasing an equalizer and, eventually, a winner. Pepi, ultimately, proved to be the hero, scoring with a header in stoppage time to seal the points.
The goal will be a massive one for Pepi, who continues to sit behind Luuk de Jong. The hope is that, eventually, he'll surpass the veteran striker and, while that may take some time, goals like Wednesday's will only help his case.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Sergino Dest (7/10):
Created a few good chances and, ultimately, provided the assist that kickstarted PSV's comeback. A perfect response to what was a pretty bad international break.
Malik Tillman (6/10):
Came on before the game got crazy with Ocampos' dismissal, but never really got going. Only got a few touches, with none in any super dangerous areas.
Ricardo Pepi (8/10):
Tossed on during the game's final moments as PSV pushed for a winner. He's the one who provided it, scoring a lovely header with a huge, huge goal for his side.