PSV misses chance to endorse Champions League football

PSV failed to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League in the penultimate game of the Eredivisie season. Eindhovenalen could have secured second place if they beat SC Heerenveen, but the game ended 3-3 at all squares.

PSV may be somewhat satisfied with still getting one point. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side were trailing 3-1 in the 78th minute. PSV need at least one point against AZ next week to finish second. Ajax, who have three points less than PSV but have a better goal difference, will face fifth-placed FC Twente away.

PSV narrowly escaped losing a point last weekend thanks to a late goal from Xavi Simmons in a 2-1 win over Fortuna Sittard. Van Nistelrooy has replaced Jordan Thezet and Johann Bakayoko on the right wing. Philip Mweneh and Anwar El-Ghazi were recognized in the capacity.

The home side got off to a good start and created some chances early in the game. El Ghazi sent the ball wide from a corner kick two minutes into the game, and 12 minutes later he had the perfect position to score. They scored just after playing 15 minutes. Luke de Jong put the ball at the second post, waiting for Ibrahim Sangare to head home (1-0).

PSV looked set to have a slow afternoon, but two defensive mistakes set the game in motion. In the 33rd minute, Antoine Colasin’s through ball was completely missed by André Ramalho, who gave Milan van Eywijk a close range goal: 1-1. In the final minute before half-time, Van Ewijk put the ball through the legs of Patrick van Arnholt. Kolasin kept his cool in the one-on-one with goalkeeper Walter Benitez and chipped the ball home: 1-2.

The damage was even worse for Bravanders after just over an hour of play. Kolasin cut inside and shot into the far corner: 1-3. In the 79th minute, De Jong returned the tension with a header from a corner. Former PSV defender Jeffrey Bruma fouled Xabi Simmons in the box, after which Simmons scored the penalty himself. To the Eindhoven supporters’ dismay, PSV were unable to score the winning goal.