Shakhtar Donetsk marked Arda Turan’s Champions League debut as a coach by taking a 1-1 draw from PSV, surviving sustained Dutch pressure after a controversial first-half opener and seeing Sergiño Dest respond immediately after the interval.
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| SEO title | Shakhtar draw with PSV in Arda Turan’s Champions League coaching debut |
| SEO description | Shakhtar Donetsk and PSV shared a 1-1 Champions League draw as Kevin Mendoza scored before Sergiño Dest levelled after half-time. |
Shakhtar hold PSV as Turan begins European campaign
Turan, who led Shakhtar to the Ukrainian league title last season, returned to elite football from the touchline after a playing career that made him a cult figure among Atletico Madrid supporters. His first Champions League match in charge ended with a point, although PSV will feel they left more behind.
The Dutch side had slightly more command during an even opening half-hour, without turning territorial control into clear chances. Ivan Perisic, still carrying a formidable shot at 37, came closest early on when his outside-of-the-boot volley flashed narrowly past the top corner.
PSV increased the pressure towards the break, but Shakhtar struck in the 46th minute. Gomes won a loose ball from Dest in midfield, with the American full-back left on the ground appealing for a foul. Play continued, and the ball reached Brazilian forward Mendoza on the left edge of the box. He shifted inside onto his right foot and drove a low finish beyond Kovar.
Neither the referee nor VAR judged that Dest had been fouled, allowing Shakhtar to take an unexpected advantage into half-time.
Dest answers after the restart
Dest delivered the response almost as soon as the second half began. Meeting Obispo’s low cross around the penalty spot, the former Barcelona defender placed a right-footed effort into the far corner to restore parity.
The equaliser returned the contest to its earlier pattern: PSV pushed forward with greater urgency, while Shakhtar defended their position. Yet no further breakthrough arrived, leaving both clubs with a point from the opening Champions League matchday.
