The report

PSV played a weak first half and therefore deservedly looked at a 3-1 deficit at halftime. In the second half, PSV recovered but PSV was unable to take the match to itself. In the end, the match was lost 4-2.

In the 7th minute, PSV had a good chance to take the lead. Sven Simons sent Shi-jon Martina away. His hard cross was shot over by Ruben van Bommel. Ajax pressed on, however, and in the 12th minute this earned Ajax a free kick halfway down PSV's half. The free kick was badly cleared by PSV after which an Ajax player was able to shoot the ball in from 18 meters, 1-0. PSV immediately tried to do something back but a nice shot by Chahid el Allachi was well caught by the Ajax goalie. PSV's play did not improve after that. There was a lot of unnecessary ball loss and no cohesion between the lines. Ajax could easily find the free man and in the 20th minute this resulted in another goal. A counter by the home club was easily tapped in, 2-0. Ajax was by far the better team in this phase, allowing the home club to extend their lead in the 23rd minute. An effort from an Ajax player was initially turned away by the PSV goalie, but the rebound was tapped in, 3-0. PSV did not get into the game and were lucky that Ajax did not take a few more good chances. On the stroke of half-time PSV was able to do something back. A cross from Sven Simons to Jesper Uneken was laid wide by Jesper to Ruben van Bommel. Ruben converted this chance, 3-1.

PSV came out of the locker room with the best intentions, but immediately after the kickoff the home club was able to score again. After a ball through the center of the PSV defense, an Ajax player found himself alone in front of the PSV goalie. With a lob, he signed for the 4-1. PSV did its best, but it played restlessly and too hastily. Nevertheless, PSV managed to reduce the deficit again in the 49th minute. A cross from Chahid el Allachi released Ruben van Bommel in front of the Ajax goalie after which Ruben shot in the far corner to make it 4-2. This was the signal for PSV to put more pressure on the Ajax game. In the 55th minute, Livano Comenencia had an opportunity but his shot went wide. Two minutes later Ajax was close to a goal but the ball was cleared off the line. In the last ten minutes there could have been more for PSV, but the opportunities that were created were not taken because the conviction was lacking. Ajax did not get into any more trouble, leaving PSV without any points.

Setup: Niek Schiks (35' Kjell Peersman), Livano Comenencia, Luc Netten, Yaël Gil y Muinos, Jaivy Lourens, Matteo Dams, Ruben van Bommel, Sven Simons (35' Julian Kuijpers), Jesper Uneken, Chahid el Allachi, Shi-jon Martina (35' Milan Govaers).