PSV Eindhoven Grabs the Lead from Ajax in the Eredivisie
Ajax from Amsterdam ceded the first place in the Dutch league to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday in the penultimate matchday, after drawing 2-2 against Groningen, thanks to a late goal from the rival team.
Ajax, who came into Wednesday’s match with a one-point lead over PSV, conceded a goal in the ninth minute of added time in Groningen, meaning they are no longer in the pole position heading into Sunday’s final match.
PSV regained the lead by defeating Heracles Almelo 4-1 at home, with two goals from American Malik Tillman and Moroccan international Ismael Saibari.
The result catapulted PSV to a one-point lead and they will win the league on Sunday if they beat Sparta Rotterdam, who are in eleventh place, on the road.
Ajax, who finish the season at home against Twente, had a nine-point lead with nine games to go, but have only earned two points in the last four games.
They were four points ahead of PSV before last weekend’s matches, but suffered a surprising 3-0 home defeat to NEC Nijmegen, who are in mid-table.
On Wednesday they seemed to hold the lead after Wout Weghorst put them 2-1 up with 20 minutes to go, but goals from Thijmen Blokzijl and Luciano Valente secured the victory for Groningen.
Ajax, captained by England international Jordan Henderson, was on the road to redemption after two poor seasons, but Wednesday’s result means they no longer control their title hopes.
