PSV Eindhoven delivered a resounding performance at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, securing their first UEFA Champions League victory of the season with a commanding 6-2 triumph over Serie A champions Napoli.
The Dutch side, under the guidance of coach Peter Bosz, showcased a remarkable turnaround after initially trailing, highlighting their offensive prowess and exposing Napoli’s defensive vulnerabilities.
The match commenced with Napoli asserting early pressure. In the 31st minute, midfielder Scott McTominay capitalized on a well-delivered cross to head the visitors into the lead.
However, PSV responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leveling the score. Before the break, PSV’s Ismael Saibari seized on a counterattack, finishing clinically to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw PSV intensify their offensive efforts. Dennis Man, who had been substituted in the 45th minute, made an immediate impact, scoring twice within a span of 13 minutes.
His first goal came from a powerful long-range strike, followed by a composed finish inside the box. Napoli’s situation worsened in the 70th minute when forward Lorenzo Lucca received a red card for a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Despite McTominay’s second goal for Napoli in the 73rd minute, PSV maintained their dominance. Substitute Ricardo Pepi marked his return from injury with a goal just 60 seconds after entering the field, restoring the two-goal cushion.
In the dying moments of the match, PSV completed their scoring through Couhaib Driouech, who finished off a well-executed team move.
The victory propelled PSV to four points from three matches in the Champions League group stage, surpassing Napoli, who remained on three points. The emphatic win not only boosted PSV’s confidence but also improved their goal difference, a crucial factor in the tight race for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Napoli’s captain, Giovanni di Lorenzo, acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings post-match. “We lost our structure and discipline,” he admitted, reflecting on the team’s inability to cope with PSV’s attacking waves.
The absence of fullback Sergiño Dest, who was dropped from the lineup for arriving late, further compounded Napoli’s defensive issues.