PSV draw lifts Fenerbahçe spirits

In leaving Eindhoven with a point, Fenerbahçe SK have not only carved their own little slice of history, they have given themselves an excellent chance of progressing from Group G into the knockout phase.

Fenerbahçe in control
All Turkish teams who have previously visited the PSV Stadium left empty-handed, but on Tuesday night the side coached by Brazilian legend Zico deservedly took a point with a display that merged defensive discipline with midfield verve and an ever-present threat up front. Indeed, the visitors were in control for most of the match and could conceivably have returned home with all three points.

Off target
Depressingly from a PSV Eindhoven point of view, the home side could not muster a single shot on target all night. With Fenerbahçe often forcing them on the back foot and cutting off the supply to the front men, Ronald Koeman's side rarely looked like making the breakthrough. The closest they came to scoring was when Danny Koevermans glanced a header just wide shortly after coming on as a substitute. "Even against 10 men we couldn't force an opening," said the 28-year-old Dutch international. "It will be even more difficult in Istanbul. We have to create more chances, but that's easier said than done. They are a very well-organised side, much stronger than when I played against them last year for AZ Alkmaar."

Belief in youth
PSV coach Koeman once again showed he was not afraid of introducing young players to such a high-stakes environment. Dirk Marcellis, the 19-year-old Dutch defender, was handed a starting berth after having enjoyed his first 90 minutes in the Eredivisie on Saturday. "The boss told me I would be playing in order to counter the threat of Deivid, and obviously I was happy to get the chance," he said after the game, with all the poise and calm of a veteran. "I was reasonably happy with my own performance, but overall we're disappointed that we didn't create more."

Confident Carlos
The only effort on target during the entire match came from evergreen Brazilian Roberto Carlos, deep into the second half, but despite the lack of attacking opportunities the world's most famous left back was satisfied. "We are happy with the point," he told uefa.com after his 110th UEFA Champions League appearance. "I think we can do even better in Istanbul, and I am confident that we can reach the next round."