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On the first few days of the new year, PSV.nl presents a review of 2008. Today this page will take you through the month of April. Sef Vergoossen's team clinched the title, the 21st in PSV's history, by winning 1-0 at Vitesse. PSV saw their UEFA Cup campaign come to an end as they bowed out to Fiorentina and Young PSV achieved formidable Cup successes.
Fourth title in a row!
On 6 April 2008, PSV took a major step towards retaining their title, seeing off Heracles Almelo 2-0 at the Philips Stadium, courtesy of goals by Timmy Simons and Jefferson Farfán. The victory was slightly marred by the yellow card that Ibrahim Afellay received, which ruled the midfielder out of next week's game with FC Twente. PSV failed to grab the victory they needed on the penultimate matchday in order to clinch the title, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente. On the same day, FC Groningen's clash with Ajax was postponed after a fire broke out in their stadium. On 21 April, PSV won their fourth title in a row and 21st overall, as they earned a 1-0 win over Vitesse at the Gelredome. Lazovic came off the bench to score the decisive goal two minutes after the break, ensuring the 2008/09 season ended on a high note!
PSV saw their UEFA Cup campaign come
Adrian Mutu opened the scoring for Fiorentina, but Danny Koevermans struck a vital away goal to put PSV in charge of their UEFA Cup quarter-final after a deserved first-leg 1-1 draw in Florence. Gomes sustained a hamstring injury when taking a goal-kick and was replaced by Bas Roorda. PSV saw their UEFA Cup campaign come to an end, though, as they bowed out to Fiorentina in the second leg on 10 April. Romania striker Adrian Mutu sent the Italian club into the UEFA Cup semi finals after his double strike sealed a 2-0 win in Eindhoven.
20 years later
Twenty years ago, PSV celebrated their finest moment on the international stage, winning the European Cup, beating Benfica in the final in Stuttgart on penalties. The book 'PSV 1988, a reconstruction of a golden year' was officially presented, prior to the match against FC Twente on 13 April. The author Jeroen van den Berk handed out two copies to Harry van Raaij and Kees Ploegsma, who were treasurer and general manager of the club, respectively, in 1988.
Young PSV win Cup for reserve teams
Young PSV won the KNVB Cup for reserve teams in Waalwijk on 28 April, booking a place in the KNVB Cup competition. After 90 minutes, the score was 1-1 and as no goals were scored during extra time, the match was decided in a penalty shoot out. Young PSV converted two spot kicks, whereas Young N.E.C. missed all five of their penalties. Goalkeeper Cássio Ramos solidly saved two penalties, while two other N.E.C. players hit the post or fired over the bar.
Miscellaneous
'Phillip Cocu returns to PSV as a youth coach', was an article headline on this site on 7 April. The former PSV captain intends to pursue a career as a coach in professional football and is going to do the professional football coach course next season. Cocu wants to gain the necessary knowledge and experience as a coach at the PSV Academy. Koeman, who had left PSV with immediate effect on 31 October 2007 to take charge of Valencia, led the Spanish club to its seventh Copa Del trophy. The Dutch coach was fired five days later after Valencia lost 5-1 at Athletic Bilbao, leaving the club with 18 points from 22 league games under Koeman.
A review of the month of May 2008 will be published on Monday, January 5.
