Depay stunner puts PSV on course to advance

PSV Eindhoven take a two-goal advantage to Belgium as they aim to progress to the play-offs past UEFA Champions League debutants SV Zulte Waregem, but it took something special to set them on their way.

The Eredivisie runners-up had been frustrated on their own patch and confidence was growing among Francky Dury's visitors that they might return home level before Memphis Depay's remarkable 30-metre rocket just after the hour. Phillip Cocu's men pushed on following the breakthrough and Jurgen Locadia doubled their advantage to put PSV in prime position to advance.

The 1987/88 winners welcomed Zulte Waregem with a barrage, but the visitors survived their UEFA Champions League baptism of fire. Just two minutes in Zakaria Bakkali struck the post for the hosts, before Sammy Bossut in the visiting goal denied Tim Matavž. Bakkali and Jetro Willems efforts were saved by Bossut while Matavž struck the frame of the goal a second time as the Belgian side held out to the break.

It was more of the same after the interval and as Georginio Wijnaldum struck the woodwork a third time for the hosts it looked as if it could be one of those nights. The goal eventually came, though, and it was one to remember as 19-year-old Depay drifted in from the left before smashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner from distance.

There was time for Wijnaldum to be denied by the frame of the goal again before the lead was doubled on 75 as Joshua Brenet surged down the right and pulled the ball back for Locadia to steer it into the corner to keep PSV on track for a first group stage appearance since 2008/09.