With a European match still in their legs, PSV was visited by provincial rival RKC Waalwijk on Sunday afternoon. PSV must win to stay in the lead of the title rival. An attacking PSV left nothing to the imagination and took the spoils in round 29.
Bruma dangerous
In full sunshine, in front of filled stands and to loud applause, PSV entered the Philips Stadium pitch. Just before that, former goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made a lap of honor after being named club ambassador. A much-changed starting eleven took on low-fly RKC Waalwijk. Within a minute there was already a huge chance for PSV. Bruma shot just wide after a custom-made ball from Carlos Vinícius. Moments later, the Portuguese got the crowd on their couches when he showed himself again with beautiful combination football and a good shot. At the back, Head Coach Roger Schmidt's formation gave nothing away. The visitors' only shot came from the center line, but went meters wide.
Opening goal
PSV had not lost to RKC Waalwijk since 2014 and did not seem intent on letting that change now. With a great cross Jordan Teze put teammate Bruma in position to work the opening goal against the ropes, but goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen was able to turn his effort. Yet the opening goal was just around the corner. In the 38th minute the Joey Veerman left Vaessen defenseless when he shot the ball sovereignly into the crossbar. After the liberating goal, the Root-Witten played it out calmly until referee Jeroen Dieperink whistled for halftime.
Advantage enlarged
The sound of drum rolls echoed through the stadium again as the players returned to the pitch. PSV had hardly been in danger in the first half and thus began the second half relaxed. With an important European game coming up, that was also the desired scenario. Things got even better when Teze, on a pass from Vinícius, increased the lead. It was the first goal in the main squad for the homegrown right back. A few minutes later, Bruma had once again hit the hip as he rushed past his direct opponent. He passed another man, but the ensuing cross hit the head of an RKC player.
Played out
PSV had not been in danger all afternoon and would not really be again. Still, RKC Waalwijk was close to scoring a tying goal, but after Yvon Mvogo had already passed, the referee blew the whistle for offside. It would be the visitors' last effort, and they had to chase the ball from then on. Chances came for Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke, who both came on in the second half. Fredrik Oppegård also entered the lines later. The left back of Young PSV was allowed to show his skills for a quarter of an hour. PSV can get ready for an important week in which they will play in both the Conference League and the KNVB Cup final.
