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PSV have enjoyed a wonderful Sunday. They moved up to fourth place in the Eredivisie table, thrashing Ajax 6-2 at the Philips Stadium, while their closest rival sc Heerenveen suffered a 2-1 defeat at FC Utrecht. Following Sunday afternoon's results, AZ were crowned Dutch champions.
AZ crowned champions; PSV put in a great performance
The outgoing champions felt their loyal fans were entitled to a convincing and commanding display and made amends in a hugely entertaining game for the loss they suffered in this season's reverse encounter in Amsterdam. They moved up to fourth place, following sc Heerenveen's 2-1 defeat. They are equal on points with their Frisian competitors, but have a better goal difference. AZ have clinched the Dutch league title for the second time in their history, while the fans in Eindhoven applauded every player and their manager off the park for a great game of football. At half time, PSV were already leading 3-1 and there was more of the same after the break.
Half-time score: 3-1
The Philips Stadium was bathed in spring sunshine when the match got underway. Dwight Lodeweges kept faith with the side that beat FC Utrecht 2-0 last time out as he was informed that closest competitors for UEFA Cup football sc Heerenveen had suffered a 2-1 defeat at FC Utrecht. Both teams played a compact defence in the initial stages. Afellay had a chance but the referee waved play on when the midfielder looked to be fouled. PSV gradually started to dominate first-half proceedings and got a golden opportunity to make the breakthrough after eighteen minutes. Salcido was fouled by Vermeer and the referee pointed at the spot. The Ajax goalkeeper kept his team in the game, saving Simons' penalty. PSV gained the lead three minutes later anyway. Méndez unleashed a lovely 20-yard strike which flew into the top-right corner; 1-0. PSV smelt blood and after Bréchet had headed wide from a corner, the hosts doubled their lead on the half-hour mark. Amrabat had a shot saved but Afellay pounced on the rebound and lashed home his thirteenth goal of the season. PSV felt they had the visitors on the ropes as Ajax coach Van Basten made two substitutions. PSV extended their lead even further on the stroke of half time. Substitute Vertonghen put his goalkeeper in trouble with a poor back pass. Amrabat intercepted the ball and slotted home, sending the Philips Stadium into raptures. Suárez gave Ajax some hope, scoring a goal one minute from half-time; 3-1.
PSV extended advantage in second half
PSV ran riot after the break and created many chances with their free-flowing football. Culina burst down the right flank, cut into the box and beat Vermeer with a lovely low left-footed shot; 4-1. The crowd had again reason to celebrate in the 65th minute, when Dzsudzsák smashed home a trade-mark free kick, taking his tally for the season to nine. Fifteen minutes from time, substitute Sulejmani made it 5-2, while championship parties were already going on in Alkmaar. Lodeweges made three substitutions in the closing stages. Bakkal replaced Afellay; who left the pitch to a standing ovation. Lazovic came on for Amrabat and Kromkamp left the bench to take over from Mendez. Bakkal put the icing on the cake in injury time. He was at the end of a lethal counter attack, making some space for himself before drilling a low shot across Vermeer and into the corner of the net.
PSV.nl congratulates AZ on winning the Eredivisie title.
