American Duo on the Scoresheet as PSV Need 120 Minutes to Beat Excelsior
Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman played pivotal roles in PSV's dramatic 5-4 extra-time victory over Excelsior in the KNVB Cup Round of 16. With the Eredivisie leaders trailing by two goals and at risk of a stunning cup exit, Tillman came off the bench to spark the comeback, scoring in the 73rd minute to make it 2-1. Though Excelsior would extend their lead to 3-1, Pepi then took center stage in an extraordinary finish.
The 22-year-old striker netted twice, first pulling one back in the 86th minute to give PSV hope before completing his brace with a delicate chip in the first period of extra time to give his side their first lead at 4-3. The goals brought Pepi's remarkable season total to 15 across all competitions, maintaining his impressive scoring rate of a goal every 62 minutes played.
"To be honest, I think you have to expect everything in football, but we didn't expect the game to be like this," Pepi said. "We knew it was going to be complicated and it is what is it. At the end of the day, we won the game and that is the most important thing."
Amid his stellar form, which includes nine goals in just five Eredivisie starts, PSV's director of football Earnie Stewart has ruled out any January transfer for Pepi despite reported interest from Premier League clubs. The Dutch leaders view the American forward as part of their long-term plans, with reports suggesting they will offer him a new contract to ward off potential suitors.
The dramatic cup victory, sealed by Ivan Perisic's fifth goal for PSV, keeps the club's domestic double hopes alive as they continue their impressive 2024-25 campaign under manager Peter Bosz.
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