Wijnaldum keeps PSV perfect at Hapoel

PSV Eindhoven won 1-0 at Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC to maintain their stranglehold of Group C and edge closer to the UEFA Europa League round of 32.

Georginio Wijnaldum settled a lively contest with a penalty 20 minutes from time which ensured his side moved on to a perfect nine points from their opening three fixtures. Their hosts, meanwhile, are yet to get off the mark and sit bottom of the section.

Hapoel had played their part in the opening period, with both teams lacking the end product to complement some admirable approach play. Impressive PSV winger Dries Mertens had the first dangerous effort on 18 minutes, sending a shot from the edge of the penalty area just wide.

Soon after bustling Hapoel forward Toto Tamuz broke clear on the right only for his effort to be deflected narrowly wide. The best opportunity of the half then fell to Omer Damari, but his turn and shot also failed to trouble PSV goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson.

Tim Matavz and Nosa Igiebor had opportunities at either end before the half was out but the opener remain elusive. While Dror Kashtan's team failed to build on their first-half momentum after the interval, PSV seized the initiative. Matavz missed his kick from 12 metres out before visiting captain Ola Toivonen slid in Mertens, who was denied by Édel Apoula's superb stop.

A long time coming, the decisive moment arrived when Mertens was felled by Mário Pečalka in the box, Wijnaldum calmly dispatching from the spot. Despite Hapoel's substitutes bringing freshness to their approach, the Israeli outfit failed to carve out a notable chance to equalise.