Sergiño Dest scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in six years to earn PSV Eindhoven a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening group stage match. The United States defender timed his run perfectly to meet a low pass from Armando Obispo and slotted the ball home early in the second half from just inside the penalty area. Dest had earlier been involved in Shakhtar's controversial equalizer before halftime, where Venezuela midfielder Gleiker Mendoza curled in a goal following a video review after a challenge left Dest clutching his leg. "I thought it was a 50-50 situation," Dest said. "We both went for the ball with a tackle. I pulled my leg back at the last moment because it could have been a dangerous situation."

Despite PSV fans whistling at the final result, Dest noted improvements in the second half, saying the team was tighter defensively and could have scored more. His goal marked his second ever in Europe's top competition, with his previous one coming for Barcelona against Dynamo Kyiv in November 2020. Dest now has three goals and two assists in five games across all competitions this season for PSV.

The 25-year-old fullback played in all five matches for the U.S. men's national team at the 2026 World Cup before their round of 16 elimination by Belgium. He is expected to be included when Mauricio Pochettino names his first U.S. roster since the World Cup for upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.