When the south of the Netherlands immerses itself in the festivities and Eindhoven is called Lampegat for a few days, PSV plays its matches outdoors. In preparation for Excelsior - PSV, we reminisce about three special 'Carnival games' from PSV's recent history. From sadness in Groningen to De Koef at Woudestein.
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PSV won 10 of the last 13 games during the Carnival period and, since 2005, is the only club in the Eredivisie to win more often than lose around Carnival. The last time it went horribly wrong for PSV was in 2012. On the sunday of Carnival, PSV lost 3-0 to FC Groningen. Hyun Jun Suk was the celebrated man for Groningen that day. He accounted for the 1-0 and 3-0. Leandro Bacuna signed for the other goal. An image many will never forget is the face of two grieving PSV fans who had traveled to the North dressed as clowns.
Start of 'PSV era'
The 2013-2014 season began full of hope, but quickly turned into a nightmare. An extremely rejuvenated PSV quickly became acquainted with the laws of performing at the top. It resulted in big defeats, but proved to be the best learning experience for rookie coach Phillip Cocu and his squad. A year later, his team would become champions, followed by two more titles. Many victories under Cocu were achieved by goals in the final stages of the game. The go-ahead was given on March 1, 2014.
In Deventer, a carnivalesque crowd sees PSV trailing 2-0 against Go Ahead Eagles within 25 minutes. 'Has PSV learned nothing from the first half of the season,' many wonder. After halftime, the game tilted completely. Memphis and Locadia - two later champions - brought PSV alongside and in extra time the crowd exploded when mercenary Bryan Ruiz signed for 2-3. PSV returned home with a three-point lead.
Penalty drama
Coincidentally, PSV also played against Excelsior almost exactly eight years ago during Carnival. A match that will also be remembered by many a celebrating supporter for its dramatic denouement for Excelsior. As the clock creeps toward the 90th minute, PSV is still leading 2-1 in Rotterdam. Referee Danny Makkelie - again refereeing on Saturday - sees an innocent handball by Marcelo as intentional and points to the spot. Edwin de Graaf did not fail and signed for 2-2. In the minute that remains, PSV pumps the ball forward. On the back line, Danny Koevermans duels with goalkeeper Nico Pellatz. De Koef falls and sees Makkelie again point to the spot. Balázs Dzsudzsák is blameless: 2-3.