Guus Til revealed how he recovered from a bout of sports migraine in just a few days to score the decisive goal in PSV’s crucial Champions League victory over FC Porto on Tuesday evening.

The midfielder had been forced off during Saturday’s defeat against ADO Den Haag after suffering a nasty fall that left his vision significantly impaired. His availability for the trip to Portugal was initially uncertain, with PSV manager Peter Bosz admitting that the situation raised concerns ahead of two important fixtures.

However, Til recovered in time to feature against Porto and made a decisive contribution, helping PSV secure a memorable 1-0 away win.

Speaking to Dutch journalists after the match at the Estádio do Dragão, Til explained that the symptoms followed an unexpected knock to the head against ADO Den Haag.

“It’s a form of ‘sports migraine’,” the PSV forward explained.

“I took a knock to the head on Saturday, and when that happens unexpectedly, I start seeing spots. I lose sight of the ball, which is why I had to come off against ADO. A day later, my vision is usually back to normal, and the headache clears up, too. So, I was able to play.”

The improvement meant Til was available far sooner than initially anticipated, allowing Bosz to include a player who would ultimately prove instrumental in securing three valuable points.

His return was particularly timely given PSV’s demanding schedule, with Sunday’s meeting against Feyenoord now awaiting the Dutch champions.

Til was delighted to be involved in a victory against an opponent he regarded as a formidable challenge. Porto had enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign and had also performed well against Manchester City, making the task facing PSV all the more demanding.

“Luckily, I was able to be there. No match in the Champions League is easy, and we really had to step on the gas today. I hope we can show that again on Sunday,” he said, as relayed by PSV Watcher Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.

“Our goal today was to win and to showcase our own identity.”

PSV largely achieved that objective, particularly during the first half, when their composure in possession helped them control significant periods of the contest.

“I think everyone was good on the ball, especially before halftime. That helps a huge amount. When we apply pressure while outnumbered, we’re still able to play our way out from the back, and we did that really well,” Til added.

The midfielder acknowledged, however, that PSV still had areas to improve. Their attempts to play through Porto’s pressing structure occasionally resulted in dangerous situations, highlighting the risks involved in their approach.

“We’re always looking to find the free man, and sometimes that goes wrong. Most of the time, though, we manage to play out effectively, and when that happens, no one says a word,” he explained.

“That’s why we played well in the first half tonight. It shouldn't go wrong, and we need to do better; naturally, we’ll be taking a close look at that.”

The result also provided a timely response after a difficult spell for PSV, who had suffered several disappointing results in recent weeks.

Til insisted that those setbacks had not fundamentally changed the team's approach, pointing to the red card against ADO and the counterattacks that troubled PSV against FC Twente as contributing factors.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the pressure that comes with representing a club expected to compete for major honours.

“At a top club, you can't really afford to lose several matches in a row. Tonight, we showed once again the level we’re capable of reaching,” he said.

Til also explained that PSV had targeted the spaces available when Porto committed an additional player to maintaining their defensive structure. Executing their possession game effectively offered opportunities to break through, although losing the ball could leave them vulnerable to counterattacks.

PSV had to withstand several difficult moments late in the match, but they held on to claim the victory.

For Til, the experience was another memorable European occasion, comparable to PSV’s impressive away performance against Liverpool.

“I’m just kind of taking it all in,” he said. “Playing away at Liverpool was a great experience, too. This one is right up there.”

After the uncertainty of Saturday’s injury scare, Til had every reason to savour a night in which his recovery culminated in a match-winning contribution on one of PSV’s biggest European stages.