PSV unofficially secures second place on an emotional afternoon for Zahavi

Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 4:21 PM• Chris Meijer • Last update: 16:39

PSV has unofficially secured second place in the Eredivisie, which entitles them to participate in the preliminary round of the Champions League. The people of Eindhoven won themselves in the Philips Stadium with 4-2 against PEC Zwolle, while AZ did not get further than 0-0 when visiting FC Groningen. As a result, PSV’s lead over AZ is now three points, while the goal difference is also significantly in favor of trainer Roger Schmidt’s team: 40 at 29. Eran Zahavi was one of the goalscorers against PEC and celebrated that with his wife, who in the stands reacted emotionally.

At PSV, Zahavi ‘just’ had a basic place four days after the brutal attack on his family. One of the first big chances was directly for the Israeli striker, but he could not get his foot against the ball well after a cross from Donyell Malen. The same happened to Yorbe Vertessen shortly before, although the Belgian attacker completely mowed over the ball in a promising position. With just under fifteen minutes left, goalkeeper Xavier Mous appeared to be an obstacle twice: with a shot by Philipp Max and the rebound by Zahavi.

The fact that PSV had a lead on the scoreboard after more than twenty minutes was thanks to PEC. A rather unfortunate pass back from Yuta Nakayama bounced over Mous’s foot into the net through the post. PSV seemed to decide the game even before half-time. Vertessen found Malen, who remained cool within the penalty area and brought the 2-0 on the scoreboard. Five minutes later it was again hit for PSV. Via Marco van Ginkel, Vertessen got the ball within the box. He turned away from his direct opponent and scored convincingly: 3-0.

At half time, Schmidt made two changes, bringing in Nick Viergever and Pablo Rosario for Vertessen and Olivier Boscagli. PEC only limited the damage for ten minutes in the second half. In minute 55, Malen found Zahavi, who headed in at the far post. He celebrated the goal by making a heart with his hands towards his wife, who was watching emotionally in the stands. The fact that PEC also scored well in the second half was due to PSV.

Van Ginkel handed the ball in to Immanuel Pherai, who passed Viergever and outwitted goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo once in the penalty area. PSV was given a few more opportunities to further expand the margin, but failed to further increase the margin. In the end, substitute Samir Lagsir determined the final score at 4-2 in the final minute, but that is usually enough for PSV to secure second place. On the last day of play, PSV visits FC Utrecht, while PEC ends the season with a home game against FC Groningen.

No. Team M. W. G. V. +/- Pnt
1 Ajax 33 27 4 2 77 85
2 PSV 33 21 8 4 39 71
3 AZ 33 20 8 5 29 68
4 Vitesse 33 18 7 8 16 61
5 Feyenoord 33 15 11 7 25 56
6 FC Utrecht 33 13 13 7 11 52
7 Fc Groningen 33 14 8 11 4 50
8 Sparta Rotterdam 33 12 8 13 0 44
9 Heracles Almelo 33 12 8 13 -6 44
10 Fortuna Sittard 33 12 5 16 -7 41
11 sc Heerenveen 33 9 12 12 -5 39
12 FC Twente 33 9 11 13 -3 38
13 PEC Zwolle 33 8 11 14 -10 35
14 RKC Waalwijk 33 7 9 17 -19 30
15 Willem II 33 7 7 19 -29 28
16 FC Emmen 33 6 9 18 -32 27
17 VVV Venlo 33 6 5 22 -44 23
18 Ado den Haag 33 4 10 19 -46 22