The report

PSV played a strong game and created numerous chances. However, PSV failed to capitalize on most of the chances. In the end, PSV won the match 2-0, but this result was certainly not a reflection of the balance of power on the pitch. PSV was clearly the superior side and the visitors could be most satisfied with this result.

After a good start, PSV already had two good chances to take the lead in the 7th and 8th minute. Both times the Sparta goalkeeper managed to turn the ball away. PSV put Sparta under pressure early on, preventing the visitors from getting into the game. This gave PSV an advantage, but PSV could not convert this advantage into goals. In the ^17th minute, PSV again had a good chance, but again the Sparta goalie stood in the way. It started to become a repetitive story. PSV created many chances but just as often Sparta's goalkeeper kept his goal clean. In the ^18th minute, the visitors had the first chance of the match, but a well-judged arch over the PSV goalie could only just be turned into a corner. The visitors did not create more opportunities in the first half. In the ^25th minute PSV seemed to take the lead after Jesper Uneken was brought down illegally in the penalty area. However, the awarded penalty kick was again turned away by the Sparta goalkeeper. It seemed that PSV could not score any more goals in this half. But in the ^31st minute the deserved lead came. After a throw-in the cross from Iggy Houben was shot by Jesper Uneken, 1-0. Jesper could have made it 2-0 but again the Sparta goalie was in the right place.

The visitors had opted for a different battle plan in the second half. PSV still had an advantage, but they were unable to create many chances, especially in the early stages. Sparta could hardly get dangerous because the PSV defense was well positioned. In the ^48th minute, PSV was able to double the score after a goal. A beautifully taken free kick by Milan Govaers was tapped in behind the Sparta goalie by Livano Comenencia, 2-0. The visitors then wanted to do something back but the only feat was a shot that went just over. PSV had some good chances in the last ten minutes of the match, but either the Sparta goalie or the post prevented a bigger lead. In the final minute, Sparta had a good chance to connect after a long ball over PSV's defense. Luck was on PSV's side as the bar prevented the goal. The final score was 2-0. All in all a deserved but, especially considering the amount of chances, a meager victory for PSV.

Setup: Kjell Peersman (58' Niek Schiks), Julian Kuijpers, Luc Netten, Matteo Dams, Jaivy Lourens, Livano Comenencia, Iggy Houben, Sven Simons, Jesper Uneken, Chahid el Allachi (36' Milan Govaers), Shi-jon Martina (49' Emir Bars).