The second half began with PSV displaying a heightened sense of urgency, clearly reflecting their coach's halftime instructions. They adopted a more aggressive positioning strategy committing additional players to their attacking phases. Their desperation was understandable; anything less than a victory would effectively extinguish their Champions League hopes.
Monaco absorbed the early pressure with disciplined positioning that had become second nature. Squillaci and Rodriguez communicated constantly, their partnership effectively managing PSV's direct approach, while Roma organized the defensive line with increasing authority.
