The very last league match was scheduled for PSV's C1 this Wednesday. Tonight's opponent was Willem II. Always fraught duels between the two clubs. But today nothing was at stake for either team. A match 'just for show', 'for bacon and beans', 'for between soup and potatoes', etc...

Willem II initially had a strong start this league, but especially after the winter break it did not score many points. Having a goal difference of only 17 for and (also) only 21 against after 21 rounds says a lot about where the weaknesses and strengths of today's opponent lie. Or: it says something about the game plan..... In Eindhoven earlier this season, we narrowly but deservedly won 1-0 thanks to an amazing goal by Joey Konings. What would this match bring?

PSV showed they had the better team from the first whistle. Kaan Tanriver was close to scoring the opening goal in the 6th minute when he shot over a corner from the right by Robin Schoonbrood. A few minutes later it was a goal! Again a corner from Robin was the basis. This time it came from the other side and the ball got stuck in the goal area. In the end it was Matthias Verreth who shot the ball dry: 0-1.

PSV remained the better team, but was sloppy and lax in the final stages. They hardly got any real chances. Only in the 21st minute was there another chance. Jaëll Hattu was beautifully put away by Armando Obispo. But the Tilburg goalkeeper courageously saved at the cost of an injury. Which incidentally prevented him from playing the second half. Willem II's first real attack was an immediate hit. The striker was free to head a cross from PSV's right side in unchallenged: 1-1.

Fortunately, PSV was able to deal with this setback quickly. For barely three minutes it took another lead. Matthias Verreth placed the ball with great sensitivity over a defender after which Lennerd Daneels could easily finish off.

Unfortunately, the Eindhoven team could not enjoy the lead for long. Willem II quickly came alongside again with a long-distance shot. Both teams failed to take advantage of a scoring opportunity, leaving the dressing rooms at 2-2.

After tea, PSV took the lead again in the 43rd minute. Armando played the ball from behind into free space towards Matthias. Who was then stepped on his heel. Without hesitation, he quickly put the ball down and immediately played the completely free Joey Konings, who then had no trouble outsmarting the goalkeeper: 2-3. Very clever by Matthias, and the jokes about clever Belgians could be relegated to the dustbin...

After this renewed lead, PSV continued to dictate the game. Karim Bannani was almost successful, but his shot was cleverly parried by the backup goalkeeper.

With fifteen minutes left to play, Willem II suddenly came through with a counter threat. Although goalkeeper Mike van de Meulenhof was outplayed, the Tricolores were unable to score.

Because PSV did not score either, despite some chances, the match ended 2-3.

PSV finished the league in 2nd place with 53 points. Three defeats and two draws meant a 5-point gap with champion Feyenoord. PSV scored by far the most goals (75x) and had only 20 goals against.

Three more tournaments and on June 1 the cup final against Ajax. At 2 pm on the fields of vv Brabantia. Come and see that!!!



Mike van de Meulenhof (55' Arne Lekens); Tom Scheepers (c), Kaan Tanriver (52' Ertem Bölükbas), Armando Obispo, Lassana Faye; Robin Schoonbrood, Lennerd Daneels, Jaëll Hattu; Joey Konings, Matthias Verreth (45' Amar Catic), Karim Bannani.