PSV has won the KNVB Cup for the tenth time in club history. In a sensational match against Ajax, the team won 2-1. Erick Gutiérrez and Cody Gakpo accounted for the Eindhoven goals in this spectacular game.
PSV sets the tone
PSV could win the KNVB Cup for the tenth time in club history. In a buzzing Kuip, the team faced Ajax, amid loud cheers from the 17,500 fans who traveled with them. The tension was palpable in this prestigious match. PSV started brightly and showed themselves within minutes with a fierce shot by Cody Gakpo. Mario Götze also made himself important with a very clever cross between Ajax players. However, Gakpo was just not reached. The German then managed to cut through the Amsterdam line with fine movement. For a moment, Eran Zahavi even seemed to open the score after a clever cross from Götze, but the linesman detected offside. The tone had been set by PSV.
Defeat
In a fierce match, Ajax also looked for chances, but partly due to a strong performance by Yvon Mvogo, a number of them were cleared. Unfortunately, the opponent managed to break through and score the opening goal. PSV quickly tried to do something back and came to a cross after a combination between Götze and Philipp Max, however, the effort did not reach an end. The team fought tooth and nail to regain the tie. Gakpo and Götze regularly sought the combination and Sangaré made an attempt from distance, but to no avail. Almost it seemed to be Ajax who scored again, but again it was offside. PSV returned to the locker room with a slight deficit, but anything could still happen.
Phenomenal comeback
PSV came out of the locker room with the gas pedal hard pressed. It took less than five minutes for Erick Gutiérrez to head the equalizer against the ropes. From a free kick, Sangaré passed the ball toward Guti with his head. The Mexican threw himself against it to score the equalizer. Then it was the turn of Gakpo who managed to surprise Stekelenburg with an incredibly clever shot from distance. The deficit was wiped out in a matter of minutes, a phenomenal turnaround by PSV. The Amsterdammers were not content with it and quickly tried to do something back, but good defensive work by Jordan Teze and Mauro JR kept the lead intact. The team headed into a thrilling final phase.
Blood-curdling tension
In the closing stages, the job was far from finished. PSV kept pushing to keep the lead and perhaps even increase it. The chances kept coming and Götze was close to scoring the third PSV goal. This time Stekelenburg narrowly got in the way. A tactical change brought Ritsu Doan and Bruma into the lines. The pair quickly managed to become dangerous. Yorbe Vertessen also came on as a substitute and was twice incredibly close to scoring a goal. It was all or nothing for both teams, but PSV kept their backs straight under the pressure of Ajax. After 96 long minutes the final signal sounded and PSV could take the KNVB Cup in their hands. The honor fell to Cody Gakpo and Marco van Ginkel to lift the famous pine cone. The team showed repulsive fighting spirit and takes the coveted prize back to Eindhoven, where there will be a party until the late hours.
