PSV achieved an easy victory over PEC Zwolle on its way to its twenty-fifth national title. The Eindhoven team won 7-1 and thus gained confidence for next week’s meeting with champion Feyenoord. The Rotterdam team can reduce the gap to PSV to 10 points again on Sunday with a win over Almere City FC. If PSV beats Feyenoord in its own stadium, the first national title since 2018 will quickly approach.
In contrast to previous seasons, PSV, led by coach Peter Bosz, does not make any mistakes against the smaller teams in the Eredivisie. The leader also took the initiative against PEC right from the start. Halfway through the first half, Isaac Babadi opened the scoring, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Babadi was back in the starting lineup for the first time since August. The midfielder was allowed to start instead of Ismael Saibari, who dropped out in the final phase of the meeting with Borussia Dortmund in the eighth finals of the Champions League on Tuesday. Bosz preferred Babadi to the American Malik Tillman.
After half an hour of playing it was still a hit. After a good cross from left back Sergiño Dest, Johan Bakayoko headed home through the ground. Shortly afterwards, Luuk de Jong doubled the score. The captain also scored with his head, after a corner kick from Joey Veerman. PEC unexpectedly brought back the tension shortly before half time. PSV keeper Walter Benítez made a mistake on a shot by Eliano Reijnders (1-2).
Things went quickly in the second half. Younes Namli was taken off the ball by Veerman in the 51st minute, after which Olivier Boscagli enabled De Jong to score. Bakayoko also scored his second goal of the evening after an hour of play. PSV was not satisfied with that large lead and continued. De Jong was accurate again in the 71st minute and is now the top scorer in the Eredivisie with 22 goals.
Sam Kersten (own goal) and Ricardo Pepi then also scored. It was the first time this season that PSV scored seven times in the Eredivisie. The biggest win until Saturday was a 6-0 win at Heracles Almelo.
(AP)