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PSV saw their title hopes dented after they dropped points for the third time in a row. They had to settle for a 1-1 draw with NAC Breda. Koeman brought on Género Zeefuik on the hour mark and the sixteen-year-old striker put in a fine display on his debut in the Dutch top flight. Jefferson Farfán scored the only goal for PSV.
PSV faced an uphill battle when they took on seventh-placed NAC Breda, who have remained unbeaten at home in eleven games. Moreover they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against NAC in a Dutch Cup tie earlier this season, while they last took all three points at the Rat Verlegh Stadium five seasons ago. PSV were cheered on by a many great fans that had made the trip to Breda. PSV enjoyed most possession of the ball in the first half hour, but only threatened with long-range efforts. Simons came close to scoring the opening goal, but fired into the side netting after eight minutes, while Gomes denied Diba and Rigters at the other end. Afellay was the most dangerous player on the field and both Zwaanswijk and Van Gessel were shown yellow cards for nasty fouls on the midfielder who had to be taken off at half time and was replaced by Väyrynen.
With Afellay sorely missed, PSV lacked creativity after the break and, to make matters worse, Gomes was not fully fit, after Salmon had collided into the Brazilian on the stroke of half time. The hosts were dominating possession in the second half and were put in the driving seat when Da Costa handed them the opening goal on the hour mark. The defender clumsily lost possession by Slot who immediately capitalised on Da Costa’s defensive howler. Ronald Koeman responded with a double substitution. Sixteen-year-old Género Zeefuik, who usually makes appearances in the highest level of junior football, made his debut and Alcides was also brought on, while Culina and Da Costa were taken off.
NAC had enjoyed a twelve-minute lead, when, with no real pressure to PSV’s equaliser, the goal came rather out of the blue. Farfán cleverly skipped past his marker before unleashing a powerful shot from 20 yards that fizzed past goalkeeper Zoetebier, taking his season’s tally to seventeen goals. Salcido meanwhile was clearly at the end of his tether, but could not be taken off. PSV came close to snatching a win in the closing stages, when Väyrynen controlled the ball well, but sent his effort just over the bar. PSV again dropped precious points and will have their lead at the summit of the table cut to three points, provided Ajax will take all three points tomorrow.
