PSV get new colt heroes

Unlucky break
Six months ago, PSV were widely regarded as unlucky to have missed out on a place in the UEFA Champions League final after beating Milan in the second leg of their semi-final at the Philips stadium, but despite losing a raft of top-class players since, they still managed to overcome Milan 1-0 on Tuesday.

Wing wonders
Following Matchday 3's goalless Group E draw between the teams at the San Siro, PSV's wide attackers DaMarcus Beasley (23) and Jefferson Farfán (21) tormented the Milan defence, with their direct and energetic play wreaking havoc among one of the game's most steadfast rearguards.

Torrid night
Jaap Stam, playing at right-back, had a torrid time trying to contain Beasley, and was ultimately sent off for tugging the American's shirt and receiving his second yellow card. Farfán, meanwhile, took the plaudits as he scored the night's only goal.

Midfield prodigies
But the key to the Dutch champions' victory - and the biggest story of the evening - lay in the middle of the park. Ibrahim Afellay is still only 19 but almost seemed a veteran compared with Ismaïl Aisatti, the 17-year-old making his full debut.

Mature performances
Coming up against the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo and Kaká did not faze either of the young Dutch midfielders, who used the ball intelligently and kept possession well throughout. Their precociousness was surely not lost on Seedorf, who won the UEFA Champions League as a 19-year-old with AFC Ajax.

Old heads
But the success of PSV's midfield was not just down to the exuberance of youth. Summer signing and Belgian international Timmy Simons protected the defence, while 35-year old Phillip Cocu once again turned in a marvellous all-round display, coming close to scoring on several occasions.

Natural composure
"We were well organised at the back, and we were able to play more football than in Milan," said Simons. As for his role in helping Aisatti, he said: "We told him to relax and be himself on the pitch and that's what he did. It was like he had been playing at this level for years. He showed great courage and flair."

Aisatti pleased
"Playing with fantastic team-mates like Phillip [Cocu] and André [Ooijer] helps and I just tried to play my own game," said Aisatti, demonstrating his composure in front of the press. "I have a lot of respect for players such as Pirlo and Stam, but only off the pitch. On the pitch I want to beat them."

No end of surprises
At the end of the 2003/04 season, PSV lost their entire front line of Arjen Robben, Mateja Kežman and Dennis Rommedahl. Their response was to progress from the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time, going all the way to the semi-finals playing attacking football.

Miraculous recovery
This summer, several key midfielders departed, namely Mark van Bommel, Johann Vogel and Ji-Sung Park. Yet last night, the new-look midfield won the battle with Milan. It seems there is no limit to the surprises coach Guus Hiddink and his players can spring.