PSV is heading for second place. With one league round to go, the team has a three-point lead over AZ, which drew 0-0 at FC Groningen, after a 4-2 victory over PEC Zwolle. In addition, PSV's goal difference is much better (+10).
Strong start
At the Philips Stadium, PSV had a strong start against already outplayed PEC. In the first ten minutes Donyell Malen offered his fellow attackers Yorbe Vertessen and Eran Zahavi - who wanted to play despite a tough weekend - two fine chances. These were still missed, but after about 15 minutes the team was helped in the saddle by the visitors. A terus play by Nakayama could not be controlled by goalkeeper Mous, making it 0-1.
Grinding and Vertessen
After that, things moved quickly. PSV pushed PEC far back and made it 3-0 within the half hour. Malen took the second goal (his nineteenth of the season) and did so on a pass from Vertessen. The Belgian scored the third PSV goal.
Beautiful moment Zahavi
Even after halftime and with some substitutions, PSV continued to dominate at Philips Stadium. After ten minutes of play in the second half, Malen crossed the ball high up the pitch and Zahavi knew how to deal with it. With his head he promoted the cross to goal. The visibly emotional striker immediately sought contact with his family, who had taken a seat in the stands.
Great starting position
PSV then let the reins loosen a bit PEC did something back for the first time in the 69th minute when and in the 90th minute it finally put the final score on the scoreboard with a smooth counter: 4-2. On Sunday, PSV will be in action at FC Utrecht for the last time this season. Its wide lead over AZ makes it likely to secure second place in Utrecht, which entitles it to the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
