- by Ashton Beauregard
- on 22 Oct, 2025
When PSV Eindhoven turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 6‑2 rout of SSC Napoli on at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, the Dutch side reminded Europe why their storied past still matters.
Here's the thing: the match wasn't just another group‑stage point. It marked the first time a Dutch club had hit six goals in the Champions League since Ajax’s famed night in October 1979. For a side that had stumbled to Union Saint‑Gilloise and shared points with Bayer Leverkusen, the turnaround was nothing short of a statement.
The Comeback in Detail
Napoli struck first through Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay in the 31st minute, slipping the ball past PSV goalkeeper Vanja Milinković‑Savić. The Dutch side looked rattled, but the tide turned in an eight‑minute burst.
At 34 minutes, a defensive mix‑up forced Alessandro Buongiorno to deflect the ball into his own net – an own goal that gave PSV a lifeline. Five minutes later, Ismael Saibari, the 23‑year‑old Moroccan‑born midfielder, latched onto a quick break and tucked home the equaliser.
In the 39th minute, a low pass from United States forward Dennis Man forced Milinković‑Savić into a desperate save at his near post. Joey Veerman’s corner whipped in, and centre‑back Guus Til headed the ball just over the bar – a near‑miss that signalled PSV’s intent.
The second half belonged to PSV. Man, who’d been a constant threat, doubled his tally in the 58th minute, cutting in from the left and blasting a left‑footed strike from the edge of the box. The goal made it 4‑1, and the crowd of 34,000 erupted.
Napoli’s hopes flickered when Croatian defender Lorenzo Lucca saw red in the 65th minute for a second‑booking offence, leaving the Italians with ten men. The numerical advantage allowed the Dutch to press relentlessly.
At 75 minutes, Man added his second of the night, a composed finish that seemed to widen the gap beyond reach. Two minutes later, United States striker Ricardo Pepi, who had just come on at the 84th minute, tapped in a close‑range finish to make it 5‑1.
The final flourish came from 21‑year‑old Dutch‑Moroccan forward Couhaïb Driouech, whose explosive right‑footed strike in the 88th minute whizzed past Milinković‑Savić before it even hit the ground. The scoreboard read 6‑1, but Napoli managed a consolation header from McTominay in the 85th minute, ending the night at 6‑2.
What Went Wrong for Napoli
Napoli’s fourth straight away loss – following defeats at Manchester City, AC Milan and Torino – has left their campaign in tatters. The first issue was discipline. Lucca’s dismissal not only reduced manpower but also shattered any defensive cohesion the side had tried to rebuild after conceding the early own goal.
Beyond the red card, the Italian side looked disjointed. Analyst Nigel, speaking on a YouTube breakdown (timestamp 144), admitted he was “shocked, especially for the Conte side. Conte teams are usually hard to beat, but today they were easy to beat.” The comment reflected a broader frustration with a back line that seemed to lose its shape whenever PSV pressed high.
Even the midfield, which usually serves as the engine for Napoli, appeared tentative. McTominay’s first goal was a glimpse of what could have been, but the pivot failed to link up with forwards consistently, allowing PSV’s quick transitions to exploit the gaps.
Lastly, the psychological edge shifted after the own goal. Napoli’s players seemed to lose belief, a factor that rarely shows up in statistics but becomes evident in body language – slumped shoulders, hesitant passes, and a noticeable lack of the usual Italian defensive grit.
Coach Bosz’s Tactical Masterclass
Head coach Peter Bosz entered the match with a clear plan: pressure Napoli’s build‑up and use the width of Philips Stadion to stretch the Italian defense. Bosz’s decision to bench United States defender Sergiño Dest for “late‑arrival” disciplinary reasons drew headlines, but it also forced Bosz to reshuffle his back line, inadvertently giving younger players more responsibility.
“We believed we could change the game even after going behind,” Bosz said in the post‑match press conference. His tactical tweak – shifting to a 4‑3‑3 after the equaliser – allowed winger Dennis Man to cut inside and create space for the full‑backs, a move that paid dividends with Man’s two goals.
The coach also emphasized quick, one‑touch passing in the final third. The sixth goal, described by ESPN as “intricate one‑touch play followed by a cherry‑on‑top strike,” epitomised Bosz’s philosophy: relentless movement, compact passing angles, and an emphasis on shooting at the first opportunity.
Implications for the Champions League Group
PSV’s win catapults them to the top of Group G, securing three points and a massive goal difference boost. The six‑goal haul not only lifts morale but also improves their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage, especially with Liverpool looming on November 5‑6.
For Napoli, the defeat drops them to the bottom of the group and intensifies pressure on Antonio Conte. The Italian manager now faces criticism not just from fans but also from pundits who question his defensive setup. A defeat against Real Madrid on 6 November could see them finish without a single point.
Both clubs also feel the financial ripple. Progressing to the last‑16 guarantees an additional €15 million in UEFA distribution, a sum that for a club like PSV could fund infrastructure upgrades at the Philips Stadion complex.
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
PSV’s next challenge is an away trip to Anfield for a showdown with Liverpool FC on 5 November. The Dutch side will need to maintain their attacking intensity while fending off the high‑pressing English side. A win there would virtually seal their group‑stage progression.
Napoli, meanwhile, hosts Real Madrid at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on 6 November. The Spanish giants are favourites, but Napoli’s home crowd is notorious for creating an intimidating atmosphere. Conte will have to overhaul his defensive line‑up, perhaps recalling Sergiño Dest for experience if the squad can secure a waiver from FIFA’s registration deadline.
Regardless of the outcomes, the October 21 encounter will be remembered as a night when a Dutch club rediscovered its attacking flair on the continental stage, while Napoli began to confront a crisis that could redefine their season.
- Scoreline: PSV Eindhoven 6 – 2 SSC Napoli
- Goal scorers: Dennis Man (2), Ricardo Pepi, Couhaïb Driouech, Ismael Saibari (PSV); Scott McTominay (2), Alessandro Buongiorno (own goal) (Napoli)
- Attendance: 34,000 spectators
- Key player of the match: Dennis Man (US) – 2 goals, relentless work‑rate
- Next fixtures: PSV vs Liverpool (5 Nov), Napoli vs Real Madrid (6 Nov)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PSV Eindhoven’s victory affect their chances of advancing from the group?
The win puts PSV at the top of Group G with three points and a +4 goal difference, a strong position heading into the final matchday. Even a loss against Liverpool would likely leave them in the knockout spots, given Napoli’s poor form.
What tactical changes did Peter Bosz implement after falling behind?
Bosz switched to a more aggressive 4‑3‑3, pushing wide players higher and encouraging quick one‑touch passing. This freed Dennis Man to cut inside and created space for overlapping full‑backs, leading to the two goals he scored in the second half.
Why is Antonio Conte under pressure after this defeat?
The loss marks Napoli’s fourth consecutive away defeat and drops them to the bottom of their Champions League group. Critics point to defensive frailties – especially after Lorenzo Lucca’s red card – and question whether Conte’s tactics can halt the slide.
Who were the standout performers for PSV in this match?
Dennis Man stole the show with a brace and constant pressure, while Ricardo Pepi’s instant impact off the bench earned him a goal within two minutes. Couhaïb Driouech’s late strike capped the performance, and goalkeeper was solid, making several key saves.
What does this result mean for Napoli’s upcoming match against Real Madrid?
Facing the Spanish giants after a heavy defeat puts Napoli in a must‑win scenario. They’ll need to tighten their defence, possibly reshuffling the back line, and rely on their attacking talent – like McTominay – to create chances against a formidable Real Madrid side.