PSV's press must close Pedrinho's second pass, not just his first touch

PSV host Shakhtar Donetsk on 10 September. UEFA identifies Ricardo Pepi and Pedrinho as important players for the respective sides. Our proposed reading of the contest centres on what happens between them: can PSV convert pressure on Shakhtar's midfield into an attack before the visitors escape through a supporting pass?

The first presser cannot do the whole job

Running at the player with the ball can look aggressive while leaving an obvious outlet untouched. If Pedrinho can set the ball to a teammate and receive again beyond the first challenge, the press has consumed energy without improving PSV's position.

We would want the first run to steer the pass towards an area where the next defender is already prepared to engage. That requires the winger, central midfielder and back line to move in relation to one another. A gap behind the second presser can be more damaging than allowing the centre-back an extra touch.

Shakhtar should use the pressure, not merely avoid it

A team comfortable in possession can invite an opponent forward to create space elsewhere. The risk is inviting more pressure than the receiver can handle. We would favour a clear third-player option: the first receiver returns the ball while a different teammate moves into the space the presser has abandoned.

The sequence should have an exit beyond the immediate triangle. Otherwise, Shakhtar can complete several technically neat passes and still remain trapped near their own goal. A deliberate longer pass is a valid alternative if the team has organised support for the next contact.

Pepi's opportunity begins with the regain

If PSV win possession high, the first attacking pass should take advantage of the disorganised defence. Too many extra touches allow centre-backs to recover and reduce the value of the turnover. We would look for Pepi, if selected, to occupy a finishing lane while another runner provides a different option.

Our conditional prediction favours PSV when their pressure remains compact enough to recover loose balls and attack quickly. Shakhtar can overturn that advantage if they consistently pass beyond the second challenge. The revealing moment is not the initial sprint towards the ball; it is whether the next pass finds a teammate facing forward or another defender already waiting.

Cover photograph: Unsplash, illustrative sports imagery; not a photograph of the reported event.