In a full Philips Stadium, PSV continued its winning streak and took three points against Heracles Almelo. Joey Veerman, Eran Zahavi and Cody Gakpo scored on behalf of the home side.
Support
It was not an everyday game at Philips Stadium. The match was dominated by the war in Ukraine. Mario Götze wore a special captain's armband that was auctioned off after the match, and the supporters' association held a fundraiser for the victims. Yellow and blue lights were displayed on the boarding in the stadium as a show of support. After the first whistle, PSV started the match with a lot of energy. Philipp Max quickly delivered a good cross towards Heracles' sixteen-meter area. Eran Zahavi got to it with a foot, but was in a difficult position. This was followed by a chance for Noni Madueke who came to a good shot. Heracles goalkeeper Bucker managed to stop the effort. PSV showed a lot of fighting spirit in the opening stages.
Dominant
The team whirled across the pitch and it was a matter of time before the opening goal would fall. The honor fell to Joey Veerman to score it. Madueke was put under pressure by Heracles' players, but he kept the ball cleverly to himself. With a clever pass he managed to reach Veerman, who took a hard shot from the edge of the penalty area: 1-0. PSV had a dominant first half. Heracles Almelo did not get the chance to play football. Veerman was eager for a second goal and made an attempt from distance that ended up in Bucker's hands. Zahavi and Madueke were also sharp. The Israeli almost managed to pass the goalkeeper from a difficult angle and the Englishman tried through the legs. A second goal hung in the air, but it did not fall in the first half.
Return
Heracles was somewhat fortunate that only one goal had fallen, but PSV quickly changed that at the start of the second half. Götze and Madueke together set up a good attack. From that, the ball ended up with Zahavi, who fired the second goal of the afternoon into the ropes. It was the striker's last feat, as he was substituted for Cody Gakpo. With this, the Eindhoven native made his comeback after an injury. He immediately showed himself on the pitch by using a quick move to put Veerman in position to shoot.
Goals
In the closing stages, the opposition brought a rebuttal. In a rare Heracles Almelo breakaway, the ball was hurled in front of goal. A header that changed direction was unstoppable. PSV was clearly not satisfied with the goal and within minutes the team did something back. Götze provided excellent preparatory work, after which Gakpo was ready to tap the ball into the net. The margin of two goals was back on the scoreboard. In the closing stages, Armando Obispo also made his comeback. The defender has had to miss several matches. All in all, PSV was the dominant team on the pitch and the three points quite rightly stayed in Eindhoven.
