Former Newcastle United flop ‘kicks door off hinges’ after frustrating first half in Champions League tie

It would be safe to say Luuk de Jong did not make much of an impact during an underwhelming loan spell at Newcastle United.

After joining the Magpies on a half-season deal from German club Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2014, the Dutch international made his debut as a half-time substitute in a 3-0 home defeat against Sunderland and that set the tone for the remainder of his time on Tyneside.

By the time the 2013/14 season has come to a close, De Jong had failed to find the net in 12 appearances for the Magpies and his only meaningful contribution came with an assist for a Shola Ameobi goal in a 2-1 home defeat against Swansea City.

Since leaving United, De Jong’s career went into overdrive after he spent time with the likes of Barcelona and Sevilla, winning the Europa League with the latter in 2020. The forward returned to former club PSV Eindhoven last summer and was a Dutch Cup winner during his first season back at the Phillips Stadion.

De Jong also helped PSV to second place in the Eredivise last season and that secured a return to the Champions League qualifying rounds. The 39-times capped Netherlands international was on target in the home and away legs of their third qualifying round tie against Sturm Graz to set up a play-off clash with Rangers.

However, there was frustration for De Jong during the first-half of the first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday night after Abdallah Sima’s fine strike gave the Scottish giants a narrow lead after 45 minutes. The lacklustre display in the opening provoked a fierce response from PSV captain De Jong as he made his way to the away dressing room after the half-time whistle.

Speaking at the interval, TNT Sports presenter Emma Dodds said: "This first half at Ibrox has certainly packed a punch. Rangers leading by a goal to nil and I can tell you that PSV captain Luuk de Jong at the half-time whistle went up the tunnel and kicked a door off its hinges. So frustration boiling over for PSV."

Things improved for the striker during the second half as his header ensured the two sides will head into next week’s second leg in Eindhoven level on aggregate after they battle to a 2-2 draw at Ibrox.