PSV took a giant step towards the knock-out stages of the Champions League after hanging on for the points in a match that turned on Ryan Flamingo’s red card.

The defender ended up making headlines for the right reasons after his flashing volley from a corner just before half-time proved the difference between the two sides.

PSV were 3-0 up going into the break and looked to be in total control after two trademark headers by veteran striker Luuk de Jong gave them breathing space in an otherwise even first half.

But five minutes after the restart Flamingo was given a straight red card for bringing down Nemanja Radonjic on the edge of the penalty area.

Despite PSV’s protests the VAR referee backed the decision of István Kovacs on the pitch, even though at least one other defender looked to be covering Radonjic’s run.

Red Star took full advantage of their lifeline as they poured forward, with Nasser Djiga driving the attack. The Burkina Faso forward picked out an unmarked Cherif Nidaye in the 71st minute and headed a second in the 76th minute to set up a grandstand finish.

Walter Benitez had to make two good saves in the closing stages to preserve PSV’s lead, while at the other end a shot by Joey Veerman squirmed narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

The result leaves Peter Bosz’s side in 16th place, provisionally putting them in a seeded position for the knock-out round. They face Liverpool at home in their final group match on Wednesday, January 29.