Aussies Abroad: Sainsbury’s PSV edge closer to Champions League group stage

Trent Sainsbury’s PSV Eindhoven have taken a step towards playing in this year’s UEFA Champions League after an incredible first-leg play-off win over Swiss side FC Basel on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Sainsbury was an unused substitute as PSV came from behind to win the first leg 3-2 at the Philips Stadion.

And the Caltex Socceroos defender saw his side produce a stunning fightback to steal the victory and gave them something to hold onto in next week’s second leg in Switzerland.

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Mark van Bommel’s side trailed 2-1 heading into the final minute of normal time until substitute Sam Lammers equalised with a superb glancing header on 89 minutes.

Relief at the equaliser turned to joy in the second minute of stoppage time as Donyell Malen struck the winner with a classy back-heeled finished.


The return leg will be played at Basel’s St Jakob Park next Wednesday morning at 4am (AEST).

Before that clash, Sainsbury and his PSV side will face Ajax this weekend in the Dutch Super Cup in Amsterdam.

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Elsewhere, Martin Boyle’s Hibernian cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Arbroath in their Betfred Cup Group C match.

Boyle, who played 78 minutes for Hibs, won the penalty which led to his side’s second goal as Scott Allan converted from the spot.

Flo Kamberi and Fraser Murray scored the other goals for Hibernian.

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