Morocco U23 star Ismael Saibari has described PSV’s progress into the UEFA Champions League group stage as the biggest big moment of his career.
Saibari who helped Morocco lift the U23 Africa Cup of Nations title in July, scored a brace in PSV’s emphatic 5-1 win over Rangers on Wednesday night.
The victory at the Philips Stadion powered the Red and Whites to a 7-3 aggregate result after the first-leg ended 2-2 in Glasgow a week ago.
Wednesday’s result secured PSV’s return to Europe’s elite club competition since their group stage in the 2018-19 season and Saibari is thrilled to have played a part in the feat with the home fans chanting his name when he was replaced in the 87th minute.
The Morocco international told UEFA: “It was an amazing feeling of course. After so many years, PSV is back in the Champions League. Super happy for the fans. [It was the best moment of my career so far]. When the whole stadium applauds you and chants your name… I had goosebumps actually.
“It was only 1-0 at half-time, and if you play a team like Rangers they can make a goal out of nothing. Our plan was to extend the lead, and luckily we did.”
When asked about the changes PSV made to win the second-leg at home, the 22-year-old said: “We finished our chances and we didn’t make dumb mistakes. I think that’s the only difference because we played the same but tonight we scored the goals.”
