PSV's women's team outclassed reigning national champions Ajax on Friday night to secure a place in the playoffs. The convincing 3-0 victory in Amsterdam proved sufficient for placement in the champions' pool.
PSV takes initiative
PSV shot out of the starting blocks at De Toekomst sports park and showed their intentions from the first whistle. The adapted tactic of relying less on the counter soon proved to work perfectly. Lewerissa put her team ahead with a controlled shot in the 18th minute: 0-1. Ajax pressed with chances through Bakker and van der Gragt but failed to surprise Christ. Before halftime, captain Kuijpers put his side ahead with a placed shot into the far corner, 0-2.
Final blow by Kuijpers
After halftime, PSV kept tight control of the initiative, with Kuijpers showing her individual qualities in the 0-3 in the 52nd minute. The comfortable lead was then successfully defended. Ajax pressed but PSV continued to play with concentration and never got into trouble. As a result, a 3-0 win remained on the scoreboard in Amsterdam. Thanks to their own victory and the draw of the competition, PSV qualifies at the last minute for the Champions Pool with Ajax, FC Twente, sc Heerenveen and PEC Zwolle.
Setup:
Christ, Sanders, Nouwen, Mourmans, Akkerman, Erman, Witteman, Kuijpers