Cody Gakpo stole the show in the first half with two phenomenal goals, but in the end the points were shared in Rotterdam. A penalty in the final minutes decided the match.
Fire
De Kuip was the setting for this crucial match in the closing stages of the league. The pressure was put on by PSV, which soon allowed the team to take a number of corner kicks, thanks in part to Cody Gakpo struggling powerfully through the defense of the Rotterdammers. Then it was Mario Götze who gave the ball to Ritsu Doan after a fine move. The Japanese striker lashed out, but failed to pass the goalkeeper. PSV opened fire on the Rotterdam goal with attempts by Gakpo, Doan and Eran Zahavi. Feyenoord was warned.
Reward
PSV quickly rewarded themselves after all these attempts. It was Gakpo who did it. The team took advantage of Feyenoord's ball loss. Veerman gave a wonderful pass to Gakpo who then sprinted in and took the lead with a sharp shot. With that he took his 20th goal of the season. The home team was not content with this and stepped up the pressure themselves. Defensive work by Ibrahim Sangaré and Mauro JR, among others, regularly put a stop to this. Gakpo played a terrific game and proved that again after half an hour of play. After a beautiful combination with Zahavi, he managed to pass the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 0-2. PSV returned to the dressing room with a very deserved lead.
Dominant
PSV came out of the locker room unchanged and only needed to keep Feyenoord off their feet. The Rotterdammers were quick to make themselves heard, but the danger was quickly averted. At the other end, Veerman made a nice attempt with a placed shot. Feyenoord goalkeeper Marciano was put to work and managed to catch the ball. Zahavi also made an excellent attempt. Pressing well, the striker was able to outplay the keeper, but a Rotterdam leg just got between them. Despite Feyenoord trying to come back, PSV remained in control. The Eindhoven goal was under attack, but Yvon Mvogo played an excellent game and had some phenomenal saves.
Setback
In the closing stages it was still 0-2 and PSV kept fighting. Jordan Teze was emphatic in the heart of the defense and made things difficult for the opponents. Erick Gutiérrez also made a steady impression, even though he did not play in his natural position. In the final minutes, PSV had to stay upright. Feyenoord still showed by surprising Mvogo and making the 1-2, reducing the margin. In the final stages, things fell apart completely for PSV. Mauro JR blocked a Feyenoord shot with his body, but the referee saw a hands ball in it. The ball went on the dot and the equalizer fell. A painful setback for PSV.
