This afternoon, Club played a friendly match against PSV in Doha. The two champions played against each other for 3 halves of 30 minutes. In the third half, PSV quickly scored two goals. The delightful consolation goal from Vanaken marked the final score: 2-1.
Leko rested some boys after a tough training week and turned up with an experimental defence at the practice complex in Doha. Van Bommel countered with his usual 11, with Malen replacing Lozano, who remained in the Netherlands.
The first half was evenly matched, with chances for Openda, Schrijvers and de Jong. Neither team could really threaten the other in the second half either: Openda went on goal, but aimed too easily into the right corner, while de Jong shot wide from close range from offside.
It was waiting for the third half-hour, with Gaston Pereiro's contribution to the Dutch side before any goals fell. The Uruguayan dribbled his way to the back line and found Piroe free in front of goal. Moments later, the ball went on the penalty spot after a foul by Cools. Hubert was close, but Pereiro seemed to put the match to sleep. However, Vanaken, who was also substituted, would not give up yet and started an unparalleled dribble from the left flank, which took him into the sixteen and to the back line. For once, the Limburger did not opt for the pass, but delightfully placed the ball precisely between the goalkeeper's legs. 2-1. Club still laid claim to a penalty after a duel with Diatta, but had to settle for a narrow defeat against the Dutch national champions.