USA international Malik Tillman played a pivotal role as PSV Eindhoven triumphed 4-0 over 10-man Girona in the Champions League. The Eredivisie leaders wasted no time in taking control, with Ryan Flamingo giving them an early lead. Flamingo latched onto Tillman’s long throw and volleyed the ball past Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga from close range. There was some controversy surrounding the goal, as Tillman appeared to step over the touchline while taking the throw-in, but after a review, the video assistant referee (VAR), David Coote, did not intervene, allowing the goal to stand.
Tillman himself doubled PSV’s advantage shortly after, cutting inside from the left wing and firing a low shot past Gazzaniga at his near post. Girona, who finished third in La Liga last season, were then dealt a significant blow early in the second half when Arnau Martinez received a second yellow card for a foul on Noa Lang at the edge of the penalty area, leaving the Spanish side with only 10 players.
PSV continued to dominate, but VAR ruled out a goal from substitute Ismael Saibari for a foul on Girona’s Olivier Boscagli. However, Johan Bakayoko effectively sealed the win, scoring PSV’s third with a clinical strike into the bottom corner. In the dying minutes, Boscagli unwittingly scored an own goal, deflecting a parried shot from Saibari into the net, further adding to Girona’s misery.
This comprehensive victory marks PSV’s biggest Champions League win since 1992 and moves them to five points from four games, climbing above Girona, who remain stuck on three points. PSV’s next challenge comes at home against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, while Girona will travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz.
