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PSV kept their chances of securing an UEFA Cup spot for next season alive with a solid 0-2 win at Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday night. Dwight Lodeweges' team moved to within three points of fourth-placed sc Heerenveen, who were held to as 1-1 draw by Heracles. Dzsudzsák and Toivonen scored goals for PSV in the closing stages of the first half.
PSV glad to grab all three points
Due to the international break, PSV coach Dwight Lodeweges could work with a full-strength squad only on Friday to prepare his side for the clash with Sparta. So the red/whites were glad to grab all three points, courtesy of two first-half goals scored by Dzsudzsák and Toivonen in the 41st and 44th minute respectively, increasing the pressure on fourth-placed sc Heerenveen.
Dzsudzsák and Toivonen goals
Goalkeeper Cássio Ramos took up his place between the sticks after all as the 100th edition of the Eredivisie encounter Sparta v PSV got underway. The Brazilian shot stopper, on loan from PSV, picked up an injury at training this week but was fit enough to start. Dwight Lodeweges included Salcido, Méndez and Culina, who had all returned unscathed from international duty, in his starting line-up. Dzsudzsák had the first chance after five minutes, but sent his effort wide. A few minutes later, Cássio fumbled the ball but Toivonen could not capitalise on the keeper's slip. PSV controlled the game but created little. The breakthrough was made four minutes from time. Dzsudzsák, who had already brought out a save from Cássio, opened the scoring. The Hungarian unleashed a thunderous right-foot shot into the far top corner. Sparta got a great chance to level the score but Isaksson pulled off a terrific save to deny Sparta striker Poepon. Toivonen was put clear in the resulting counter-attack and when one-on-on with Cássio, the Swede kept his composure to coolly double PSV's lead; 0-2.
PSV controlled the game after the break
Sparta moved men forward at the restart and PSV survived a scare when Edouard Duplan hit the underside of the bar. At the other end Afellay produced goal threat, hitting the woodwork on two separate occasions. PSV also comfortably controlled the game after the break as Sparta never threatened a fightback. With time ticking away, PSV had one last chance to score a third goal, but Amrabat only rattled the bar in the dying minute. PSV got what they wanted: a massive three points.
They will be next in action on Saturday when they play host to FC Utrecht in Eindhoven.
