Paul Wanner and PSV Draw Against Shakhtar in CL Opener

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw on the first matchday of the Champions League group stage.

Austrian international Paul Wanner, who played the full match, almost celebrated an early PSV opener. But Ivan Perisic's direct shot went just wide of the goal (5').

The hosts often pressed high and forced a few turnovers. However, Kodai Sano's shot from outside the box was too central (19').

The Ukrainians were defensively compact and caught PSV cold just before halftime. Gleiker Mendoza cut inside and curled the ball into the far corner for a 1-0 lead (45'+1). The home team protested, claiming Sergino Dest was fouled before the goal. The VAR reviewed the scene, but Shakhtar's 1-0 lead stood.

Game Remains Open Until the End

After the restart, PSV quickly equalized. Dest made it 1-1 (48'). After that, Wanner & Co. had a short period of pressure in the middle of the first half, though the visitors almost scored to make it 2-1. But Isaque's shot posed no problem for PSV keeper Matej Kovar (67').

The game thus remained open until the end. In stoppage time, Perisic sent a free-kick over the bar (90'+2).

Draw Also for Fenerbahce Against Roma

In Istanbul, Fenerbahce and Roma also drew 1-1.

Bryan Cristante gave Roma a 1-0 lead with a precise shot from just outside the penalty area (39').

Shortly after the break, the Turks equalized 1-1 through Archie Brown, who cleverly broke away from his marker and chipped the ball into the net (48'). In the 68th minute, the referees rescinded a penalty for Roma. The foul on Paulo Dybala was just outside the box.

Overall, "Fener" was slightly more dangerous in front of goal but squandered a few chances.