PSV returns to Eindhoven with the full prize. In Alkmaar they won 0-3 against AZ. An important victory, crowned with three beautiful goals.
Pace
The match had a high-paced opening phase. Both teams searched fanatically for the first goal. A big chance came from PSV through Philipp Max who sent a tight cross to Eran Zahavi. AZ goalkeeper Vindahl threw himself at the striker's feet to stop the goal. Cody Gakpo made another contribution with a shot from distance into the hands of the Alkmaar goalie. AZ also showed its teeth, a tight cross could have caused the first goal but Joël Drommel's goal remained empty for now. A goal seemed to be in the air for both teams.
Fireworks Boscagli
The opener finally fell from the feet of Olivier Boscagli. The Monegasque played in midfield due to the absence of Ibrahim Sangaré. There he immediately asserted himself. From about 30 meters he took a devastating shot and put the ball in the crossbar, behind Vindahl. A phenomenal goal by Boscagli to open the match. The home team immediately looked to connect. A period followed in which AZ managed to create the chances. Defensive duo Armando Obispo and André Ramalho kept up the pressure to keep PSV on their toes. Back and forth it became a game of dangerous build-up and ball loss. Just before half-time AZ almost seemed to find the equalizer but with a good slide at the last moment Max managed to stop the offensive. Boscagli's blast remained the only goal in the first half.
Rentrées
Once back on the field, it was Zahavi who first tried to increase the lead. An effort from distance graced over the goal. A change in attack saw the return of Ritsu Doan, who came on the field for Noni Madueke. With that, the Japanese made his first minutes on the pitch under Head Coach Roger Schmidt. Érick Gutiérrez also made his first minutes this season when he came in for Marco van Ginkel. Yorbe Vertessen was among the substitutes. The Belgian came into the field and needed less than 10 minutes to score. AZ tried with all their might to stop him but the striker wriggled through the defense and shot fiercely into the far corner: 0-2.
Wonderful goals
PSV took a margin of two goals with them into the closing stages. AZ still hoped for a stunt but that dream quickly fell apart. Indeed, Doan crowned his comeback with a goal. The Japanese forward cut inside from the side and fired a highly targeted shot into the cross. Unstoppable for Vindahl. PSV's third goal and certainly not the least. The fourth almost seemed to fall, Bruma was able to head in from very close range but was not steady on his feet. 0-3 was the final score and with that PSV goes into an important week with its head held high, starting with the meeting against Real Sociedad.
