EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AP) — United States defender Sergiño Dest swept in the equalizer as PSV Eindhoven drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening Champions League game on Thursday.
The right back timed his run well to meet a low pass from the left from Armando Obispo and score from just inside the penalty area early into the second half; having been involved in Shakhtar's goal on the stroke of halftime.
Venezuela midfielder Gleiker Mendoza curled the ball into the bottom right corner to grab his first goal for his new club and celebrated with the team bench. But PSV's players were angry that the goal was given, claiming Dest had been fouled.
A thudding challenge near the halfway line left the former Barcelona player briefly writhing on the ground and clutching his leg. Shakhtar then launched a counterattack leading to the goal, which was awarded following a quick video review.
“Even though it was a draw against a good team, we felt there was more possible in this match" Dest said. "So in that respect it feels bitter.”
The technically adroit Dest played for the U.S. team at the World Cup and was deployed as a right winger by coach Mauricio Pochettino in the 4-1 loss to Belgium in the last 16.
PSV's fans were not happy with the final result Thursday and there were some whistles at the end.
“We couldn’t get through their defense, they are well organized," Dest said. "Maybe our tempo was too low. It didn’t feel like we had a grip on the first half, but it was a different story in the second half.” ___
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The Associated Press
