PSV Eindhoven delivered a stunning performance in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, dismantling Napoli 6-2 at Philips Stadion with American forward Ricardo Pepi making a significant impact off the bench. The 22-year-old striker needed just two minutes after entering the match to find the net and later provided an assist as PSV secured their first Champions League win of the season.
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Both U.S. internationals Pepi and Sergino Dest entered the match in the 84th minute with PSV already leading 4-1 against 10-man Napoli. Their introduction proved immediately impactful as Napoli briefly reduced the deficit when Scott McTominay headed home in the 85th minute, only for Pepi to restore PSV's three-goal advantage just one minute later.
The former FC Dallas academy product showed his predatory instincts by tapping in from close range after fellow substitute Couhaib Driouech created the opportunity. Pepi then returned the favor two minutes later by feeding Driouech for PSV’s sixth and final goal of the night.
AdvertisementPepi's goalAFPDutch side overcomes early deficit
The comprehensive victory didn't come without early challenges for PSV. Napoli had taken the lead in the 31st minute through McTominay's headed goal from a Leonardo Spinazzola cross. However, PSV responded quickly with an Alessandro Buongiorno own goal in the 35th minute, leveling the score.
The Dutch side then seized control when Ismael Saibari put them ahead in the 38th minute with a clinical finish after a swift counter-attack. Dennis Man extended PSV's advantage in the 54th minute, tapping in at the near post from Mauro Junior's cutback, before Napoli's situation deteriorated further when Lorenzo Lucca received a straight red card in the 76th minute for dissent after pointing to his head following a foul decision.
AFPGaining momentum
The impressive performances from both Pepi and Dest, albeit in limited minutes, will boost their confidence as PSV prepares for upcoming fixtures. Pepi's goal and assist in just six minutes of play could potentially earn him more substantial playing time as the Dutch side looks to build on this momentum in both the Champions League and Eredivisie. The Dutch side will face Feyenoord next in the Eredivisie on Oct. 25 before hosting Fortuna Sittard on Oct. 31.