Eindhoven bests BATE in qualifier

PSV Eindhoven scored with a minute remaining to beat BATE Borisov 3-2 Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying playoffs.

Also, Greek club PAOK put itself in good position to qualify for the group stage for the first time by holding host Benfica to a 1-1 draw, while Red Star Belgrade and Salzburg played to a 0-0 draw.

Substitute Donyell Malen scored the winner and his first goal for Eindhoven in the 89th, two minutes after coming off the bench and a minute after Aleksandr Hleb scored for BATE to tie the game 2-2.

Hirving Lozano gave PSV a 2-1 lead in the 61st with a curling shot from outside the area. The Dutch champions hope to return to the Champions League after missing out last season.

Forward Jasse Tuominen gave BATE an early 1-0 lead, while Gaston Pereiro equalized from the penalty spot in the 35th.

In Lisbon, Pizzi converted from the spot in first-half injury time for Benfica before substitute Amr Warda equalized for PAOK in the second half.

In Belgrade, the 1991 European champions had to play behind closed doors due to a punishment by UEFA for their fans’ behaviour. Salzburg had more possession in the game, but the host had better chances to score. Salzburg is looking to reach the group stage for the first time in 24 years.

The second-leg games are scheduled for Aug. 29.

The Champions League playoffs continue with the remaining three first-leg games today. It’s Ajax versus Dynamo Kyiv, Hungary’s Vidi versus AEK Athens and Young Boys versus Dinamo Zagreb.