“Sevilla performed well in one-on-one situations,” Van Nistelrooij saw. “They always played under pressure. It made us doubt and they made us play the long ball more often than we wanted to.”
With the introduction of Fábio Silva, an additional striker, PSV managed to gain some distance in the final phase. However, the home team didn’t go further than two goals. “We were going to create chances then,” Van Nistelrooij said. “Unfortunately the 2-0 didn’t come until the 94th minute.”
The PSV players then reacted furiously because, in their eyes, the referee let the game go on too soon after the incident of the PSV supporter who attacked the Sevilla goalkeeper. Mauro Junior received a red card.
“We put in a good performance with the team,” said Van Nistelrooij. “Tonight we couldn’t do more. The three goals we conceded in the away game were too many.”
Van Nistelrooij doesn’t think PSV have done poorly in Europe this season. The club would like to be among the top 32 teams again, but they are still a long way off. “It’s clear where we are as a team and as a club. We’re under construction. But the ambition remains, we want to get back there. We certainly still have to take action, but I see enough leads.”