The Philips Stadium finally got to host supporters again, but they were not rewarded with a victory. 1-2 became the final score against AZ.
Supporters
In front of 12,000 supporters, the Eredivisie resumed at Philips Stadium. Not only did "Simply The Best" reverberate through the stadium at PSV's rise, there was another loud applause from the fans. With this support, the hunt for three points began. AZ was quickly put under high pressure from PSV. The first big chance came from Cody Gakpo. He was put in position very nicely with a clever pass from Olivier Boscagli. However, the angle was too difficult for a shot. Still, it did not take long for the fans to be rewarded. Gakpo delivered a spiky cross from a corner kick and Armando Obispo towered over everything and everyone. The lead was secured with a hard header against the ropes. The Philips Stadium was buzzing as ever.
Setback
With the lead in hand, control remained on PSV's side for a long time. Fluent actions by Gakpo and Ritsu Doan kept the pace high. Joey Veerman also came to a shooting chance, from distance he took a shot but the shot went up past the goal. Out of nowhere, the visitors did something back. A cross towards the middle of the penalty area was shot behind Yvon Mvogo, a sour equalizer. AZ quickly made things difficult again. The lead almost came back through Ibrahim Sangaré who worked the ball just wide of the goal from close range. No more goals fell in the first half.
Fighting back
PSV got off to a good start in the second game, but AZ defended with all their might. It was waiting for a hole to be found in the Alkmaarers' defense. The opening was almost found after a clever cross from Mario Götze. Gakpo put in a sprint to exploit it, but AZ goalkeeper Vindahl was just in time. PSV was emphatic in the visitors' 16-meter area. A streak by Mauro JR came close to breaking free, it was made difficult for Vindahl. Yorbe Vertessen also came close when he went for the rebound, but to no avail.
Empty hands
Once again a goal fell against the game plan. AZ managed to take the lead. With fifteen minutes to go, there was a tough job ahead. With Eran Zahavi, Vertessen and Bruma as substitutes, everything was put on the attack. AZ was under constant pressure, but the hoped-for goal failed to fall, despite worthy attempts by Götze, Mauro JR and Gakpo. Empty hands for PSV at home.
