Edin Terzic’s team managed to secure a hard-earned draw in the Champions League.

Donyell Malen, the Borussia Dortmund forward, made a triumphant return to his former club as he scored the opening goal in their 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Last 16 clash. The match took place at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands on February 20, 2024.

Malen, a 25-year-old Dutch international, found the back of the net in the 24th minute with a brilliant individual effort. He skillfully evaded two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that hit the crossbar and went in off the near post. This goal gave Dortmund the lead and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Despite Dortmund taking the lead, PSV created several chances in an exciting first half. However, Malik Tillman missed two opportunities to equalize, and Johan Bakayoko also failed to convert a difficult volley. The hosts continued to dominate in the second half and eventually drew level through Luuk de Jong’s controversial penalty in the 56th minute.

PSV remained on top for the remainder of the game but couldn’t find a clear-cut chance to secure a victory. The two teams will now meet again for the second leg in Germany on March 13th.

One of the talking points of the match was the performance of Jadon Sancho, who returned to the Champions League stage after a difficult spell at Manchester United. Unfortunately, Sancho failed to make an impact and appeared to lack confidence throughout the game. However, he wasn’t the only Dortmund player who struggled, as the team as a whole was outplayed by PSV for long periods.

The penalty awarded to PSV was a contentious decision, with Mats Hummels appearing to win the ball before making contact with Tillman. Given the balance of play, it could have been PSV’s best chance to come out on top in the tie. PSV is not a regular participant in the latter stages of the Champions League, and their wastefulness in front of goal almost cost them. They will now face an uphill battle in Dortmund if they want to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.

The player of the match was undoubtedly Donyell Malen, who not only scored a crucial goal against his former club but also impressed with his powerful runs and probing attacks, especially in the first half.

Here are the player ratings for both teams:

PSV: Benitez 7, Teze 7, Schouten 7, Boscagli 7, Dest 7, Veerman 8, Saibari 8, Tillman 7, Bakayoko 7, De Jong 8, Lozano 7. Subs: Pepi 6, Mauro Júnior n/a, Obispo n/a.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND: Meyer 8, Ryerson 7, Hummels 6, Schlotterbeck 7, Maatsen 6, Can 7, Sabitzer 7, Malen 8*, Reus 7, Sancho 6, Fullkrug 6. Subs: Brandt 6, Wolf 6, Ozcan n/a, Moukoko n/a.

In terms of match highlights, PSV had a chance in the 16th minute when Tillman dragged his shot wide from 18 yards out after a brilliant pass from de Jong. However, it was Malen who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute with his goal. PSV equalized in the 56th minute through de Jong’s penalty, which was awarded following Hummels’ challenge on Tillman.

Overall, it was an exciting and evenly contested match, with both teams having their moments. The second leg promises to be an intriguing encounter as Dortmund and PSV battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.