Rostov advances to Europa League

FC Rostov earned a place in the Europa League by holding PSV Eindhoven to a 0-0 draw in Group D of the Champions League yesterday.

With both teams already out of contention for a spot in the knockout stage of the Champions League, Rostov only needed the draw to get into Europe’s second-tier competition and rarely threatened PSV. Neither side had an attempt on target until Sardar Azmoun shook off Daniel Schwaab in the 67th minute and fired a shot straight at Jeroen Zoet in the PSV goal.

PSV only threatened late after coach Phillip Cocu brought on three attacking substitutes.

Steven Bergwijn finally got PSV’s first shot on goal in the 75th, and Bart Ramselaar came close to stealing the three points in the 86th but his shot was cleared off the goal line by Vladimir Granat. The Dutch champion finished its Champions League campaign with just two points.

“We fought today and it wasn’t enough,” said PSV captain Luuk de Jong. — AP