PSV Maintains Perfect Record Amidst Controversial Ending

PSV Eindhoven narrowly maintained their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought victory over Sparta Rotterdam. The match, played at Philips Stadion, saw PSV win 2-1, but not without controversy in the closing moments.

Sparta Rotterdam, showing commendable resilience, thought they had secured a late equalizer when Mike Eerdhuijzen netted during injury time. However, the linesman’s flag indicated offside, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the decision, denying Sparta a share of the points.

Earlier in the match, Sparta took the lead through Tobias Lauritsen, who finished a fine team move that began from their own penalty area. PSV equalized in fortuitous circumstances when Oliver Boscagli’s speculative shot deflected off Sparta’s Arno Verscheuren.

PSV seized the advantage in the 36th minute with a skillful volley from Luuk de Jong, courtesy of a cross from Boscagli. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Matteo Dams received a red card for a foul on Camiel Neghli, PSV held onto their lead through the second half.

Meanwhile, Utrecht retained their second position in the league with a 3-2 victory over RKC Waalwijk, who registered their eighth consecutive defeat, equating to the poorest start in Eredivisie history. RKC initially led through Denilho Cleonise, but a red card to Aaron Meijers triggered a collapse, allowing Utrecht to capitalize with three quick goals.

In other notable matches, Feyenoord emerged victorious against Twente Enschede, winning 2-1. Goals from Ayase Ueda and Hwang In-beom were sufficient to bring Feyenoord within a point of their fourth-placed opponents. Twente’s Sem Steijn scored a late goal, making it his seventh of the season.

Ajax thrashed Groningen 3-1, with veteran striker Wout Weghorst scoring his first goal for the team and assisting another. Jorg Schreuders equalized for Groningen in the second half, but Ajax secured the outcome with Chuba Akpom netting the final goal late on.

Elsewhere, Go Ahead Eagles beat Heracles Almelo 4-1, while PEC Zwolle and Heerenveen shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. NAC Breda‘s match was briefly interrupted due to crowd trouble, but they managed a 2-1 victory over Excelsior.

Notably, Willem II Tilburg continued Almere City‘s dismal run, winning 1-0 to condemn their opponents to a 20-match winless streak in the league.