The much-anticipated Eredivisie weekend featured the season’s most significant clash, proving to be a decisive moment in the battle for the title.
Ajax entered the match six points clear of the defending champions PSV in the Eredivisie table, gearing up to face them in their own backyard during round 27.
PSV had managed to find a spark of confidence, securing two consecutive victories in the Eredivisie for the first time since the early part of December, triumphing over sc Heerenveen (2-1) and RKC Waalwijk (3-0) prior to their showdown with Ajax at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.
On the other hand, Ajax stumbled to a 2-2 draw against AZ before the international break following back-to-back defeats to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League round of 16. This draw reduced Ajax’s lead from 8 to 6 points, making their most recent encounter with PSV crucial for the club and its fans.
In the lead-up to the match, PSV’s manager proclaimed that it was the club’s “duty” to secure a victory, while Ajax’s coach Francesco Farioli asserted that the pressure rested “definitely not on Ajax.”
Opta echoed Bosz’s sentiments, placing a mere 1% chance on PSV’s title hopes should they lose to Ajax. A draw would leave them with a 13% chance, while a victory would elevate their odds to 33% for clinching a second consecutive Eredivisie crown.
In his strategy to counter Farioli’s defensive tactics, Bosz vowed to deploy an attractive attacking approach, with Luuk de Jong stepping up as the solitary striker due to Lucas Perez’s unfortunate tuberculosis diagnosis earlier in the week. De Jong is a formidable option against Ajax, having found the net in each of his last eight encounters with the famed club.
Conversely, Farioli faced the challenge of missing Danish right-back Anton Gaaei, who was sidelined following his red card against AZ, prompting the introduction of Brazilian Lucas Rosa, making his first Eredivisie start after joining Ajax from Real Valladolid in January.
With hopes of achieving a league double over Feyenoord and PSV for just the second instance this century, Farioli’s tactical approach became evident shortly after kickoff.
A cautious and physical opening 15 minutes saw Ajax exhibit a robust defensive setup, denying PSV the space and time to manoeuvre through their lines. Under the leadership of Jordan Henderson, who made his return to the England squad during the last international break, Ajax restricted PSV to just five shots in the first half.
Around the 30-minute mark, it was the player affectionately known as ‘Mister 1-0’ that found the net – Davy Klaassen, capitalising on a header from Lucas Rosa, deftly dispatched a half-volley with finesse. This goal marked his 82nd in the Eredivisie, elevating him to second place on Ajax’s all-time Eredivisie goalscorers list for this century, overtaking Luis Suarez and trailing only Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (121).
PSV emerged for the second half with a renewed urgency, pressuring Ajax more in the opening 15 minutes than they had throughout the entirety of the first half, registering seven shots that raised concerns among the travelling fans, yet failing to convert any into goals.
Former Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Villarreal winger Bertrand Traore was pivotal. Just five minutes after replacing Steven Berghuis, Traore cleverly controlled a booming kick from goalkeeper Matheus, evaded Manchester United loanee Tyrell Malacia, and found the back of the net from a distance into the left corner.
At this point, a sense of resignation engulfed PSV, who posed no threat to Ajax’s lead after the visitors doubled their advantage.
Once Ajax had secured a crucial 2-0 victory, players and staff celebrated what could potentially be a step towards their 37th Eredivisie title, while PSV captain Luuk de Jong encapsulated his team’s feelings of defeat with striking comments: “We need to focus on finishing in second place.”
“Nine points is a significant gap. I don’t believe it has ever happened where a team has been overtaken with so few games remaining. We don’t expect that either. Our focus is now on securing second place and qualifying for the Champions League as soon as possible,” he said.
Forward Noa Lang and manager Peter Bosz mirrored De Jong’s defeatist attitude. “We’ve lost to Ajax twice, and that means the championship is effectively done. Clearly, we couldn’t manage the pressure. That’s the reality,” Lang conceded, while his manager added: “The circumstances would have to be extraordinary. What is it? Seven games remaining, nine points? Typically that is unattainable.”
Despite Ajax sitting closer to the title than ever, Francesco Farioli maintained a cautious approach when it came to discussing the title. “There are still 21 points to play for,” he reminded the press.
Farioli and the fans were encouraged by Lucas Rosa’s full Eredivisie debut. Since his €3 million transfer from Real Valladolid in January, Rosa averaged only 27 minutes per game due to Anton Gaaei’s progress. However, he made a strong impression against PSV during this pivotal match, leading Ajax in touches (61), chances created (2), won duels (8), tackles (4), successful tackles (2), and interceptions (2), while ranking second in possessions won (4) and aerial duels won (2).
With only seven games left to play, Ajax is inching closer to their coveted 37th league title, while PSV seems to be increasingly adrift. Their tally of 13 points from the first 10 games after the winter break is their worst performance since 1960, and the team that had previously triumphed in 14 of their first 15 league matches now risks finishing the season without silverware for the first time since 2019.
The defeat now forces PSV to refocus, with De Jong stating, on finishing second, especially following Feyenoord’s relentless pursuit after securing a victory over the impressive Go Ahead Eagles.
After their emphatic 6-2 triumph over FC Twente, Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord faced yet another tough opponent in KNVB Cup finalists Go Ahead Eagles, firmly positioned in seventh place and eager to level on points with their Rotterdam rivals. However, Feyenoord proved their mettle yet again.
A penalty from former Brighton player Jakub Moder put Feyenoord ahead after 33 minutes, but Victor Edvardsen restored parity just before halftime. A delightful combination with Milan Smit positioned Edvardsen perfectly, allowing him to level the match.
After Anis Hadj Moussa returned Feyenoord to the lead in the 57th minute, the visitors didn’t waste time in striking back, with Oliver Antman finishing a captivating team attack. Yet, no Feyenoord win this season seems complete without Igor Paixao making his mark. With a quarter of an hour left, the Brazilian capitalised on a chance just outside the Go Ahead Eagles box, striking the ball cleanly into the far corner.
This victory, Van Persie’s first at De Kuip in his managerial career, ensured Feyenoord maintained a comfortable distance from FC Twente and AZ, while they could put pressure on PSV with a well-deserved win against FC Groningen on Wednesday.
Before they can challenge PSV, however, they must first contend with third-placed FC Utrecht. Ron Jans’ side bounced back from their recent loss to NEC, securing a 2-0 victory over sc Heerenveen under Robin Veldman’s debut as manager in the Eredivisie.
A 22nd-minute strike from Spaniard Miguel Rodriguez launched Utrecht in front during a fraught first half, ultimately culminating in their second goal when Norwegian defender Nikolai Hopland inadvertently scored an own goal, sealing the match at 2-0.
Utrecht will need to mount a robust defence to maintain their third place, which would secure them a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
The Domstad outfit received assistance from a stumbling AZ, who squandered a 3-1 lead away at NEC, finishing 3-3, with Vito van Crooij netting a brace.
NEC got off to a quick start when Ibrahim Sadiq scored in the opening four minutes, but Vito van Crooij equalised shortly after with his first goal just six minutes later.
A relentless duo activated NEC’s attack, with Troy Parrott linking up well with Ernest Poku, whose impressive solo effort finished with a thunderous strike to make it 2-1. Shortly after halftime, Poku reciprocated by assisting Parrott for a well-executed finish.
With 30 minutes remaining, NEC remained resolute and was determined to fight for a place in the playoffs for European football. Substitute Kento Shiogai brought NEC back to within one with a close-range header, before Vito van Crooij capped off a fine afternoon with a clinical finish into the far corner.
Since his mid-season arrival in October, van Crooij has been instrumental for NEC, tallying 9 goals and 5 assists in 20 league appearances. Meanwhile, AZ has failed to secure a league victory for three consecutive matches and have lost ground on FC Utrecht and Feyenoord.
Another team losing traction in the battle for the top four is FC Twente. The ‘Tukkers’ faced Heracles Almelo in the Derby of Twente, a fixture which Twente hadn’t lost since 2019. The relegation-threatened home side made their mark once again in this Eredivisie landscape, achieving their first derby victory in five years, largely thanks to a brace from Jizz Hornkamp.
The 27-year-old opened the scoring with a composed finish following a lapse from Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall in the ninth minute before he powered in a second with a strong header just over an hour later. Twente did manage to pull one back in the 90th minute through Sayfallah Ltaief, but ultimately succumbed to their rivals from Almelo.
Twente’s erratic form continues, having won just once in their last four Eredivisie games, leaving them six points adrift of third-placed FC Utrecht. In contrast, Heracles continues to impress in 2025, firmly placing themselves in the mixture for a playoff ticket.
The midfield remains tightly contested after last weekend, with an astonishing eight teams vying for the eighth position in the standings. Just four points separate eighth-placed FC Groningen and fifteenth-ranked Sparta Rotterdam, who continued their impressive form with a solid 3-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard.
Under former Ajax manager Maurice Steijn, Sparta have risen spectacularly, suffering only two defeats throughout 2025. Shunsuke Mito’s brace and a gem from Gjivai Zechiel saw them triumph in Limburg and secure their first win in almost a month. More crucially, this victory gives Sparta a four-point cushion above 16th-placed Willem II.
The Tilburg-based club endured a disappointing 2-0 home defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Almere City over the weekend. Charles-Andreas Brym and Marvin Martins provided the scoring for Almere, while Willem II’s Kyan Vaesen made headlines for the wrong reasons after receiving a costly red card 32 minutes in.
Willem II is in dire form, having suffered defeats in eight of their last ten Eredivisie matches, including the last five in a row.
Elsewhere, FC Groningen reclaimed eighth place following a draw with Fortuna Sittard in Breda. The home side, NAC, salvaged a point deep into injury time as Clint Leemans converted a penalty in the 98th minute. Earlier, local boy Mats Seuntjes had put FC Groningen ahead with a spot-kick of his own.
PEC Zwolle, mirroring Sparta’s performance, managed to create some breathing space by securing a 2-0 win over relegation-struggling RKC Waalwijk. Top scorer Dylan Vente netted from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, before Filip Krastev added a second in the 83rd with a stunning strike.
Unless an extraordinary situation arises, Ajax seems poised to reclaim their place atop the Eredivisie. The battles for the top four and for European playoff spots thus appear to be the focal points now, with just seven matches remaining.
Winners of the Week
What could be better than defeating your title rivals 2-0 in their lair, limiting their chances, and seizing control of the trophy? That’s a surefire recipe for this week’s Winners of the Week.
Ajax produced a masterclass in Eindhoven, impressing on both ends of the pitch. The game’s impact, and the season as a whole, will surely attract attention from across Europe. This prospect could be a double-edged sword for Ajax, as manager Francesco Farioli may emerge as a top candidate for various prestigious European clubs.
Nonetheless, Ajax’s director of football, Marijn Beuker, reassured fans and potential suitors during ESPN’s ‘Goedemorgen Eredivisie’ show on Sunday, stating: “Francesco has an ongoing contract, and with both players and coaches, we strive to keep the group intact, as the squad’s stability is a critical factor for success,” added Beuker, reaffirming the likelihood of Farioli remaining in Amsterdam is “high.”
Losers of the Week
Only one team left the pitch winless last weekend: Willem II. The North Brabant outfit is in dire straits, and last weekend’s defeat to bottom-placed Almere City was the cherry on top of a dismal cake.
There was a lack of cohesion on the field, no creativity, and a resigned tactic of endlessly crossing the ball while a man down – culminating in a devastating loss for the once-promising side.
The loss prompted the club to issue a statement titled ‘We for you, you for us,’ expressing their solidarity with the disappointed fanbase. “Last Saturday was a painful night for all who bleed red-white-blue. It hurt,” the statement began.
“While we collected plentiful points prior to the winter break, we are now in a phase where the headwinds are strong, and disappointments are piling up. This affects us all – supporters, sponsors, staff, players, and employees.
“However, Willem II is not a club that gives in during hard times. We believe in the power of unity. When we stand together in Tilburg, special things happen. We cannot afford to lose each other now; we desperately need one another. When challenges arise, we all feel the strain, yet in Tilburg, we regroup and push forward.
“Our objective since the beginning has been survival, and that remains the case until the final whistle. We hold steadfast to our ambition with passion, determination, and courage. This is why we come together with everyone who loves and supports Willem II.
“On Friday, nearly 800 supporters will travel north to support the team. Thousands will be backing our Tricolores from Tilburg. We have immense, unconditional support both on and off the pitch.”
“We for you, you for us.”
Goal of the Week
While FC Barcelona has popularised tiki-taka football under Pep Guardiola, Deventer’s Go Ahead Eagles showcased their flair with an exquisite execution of the free-flowing style.
Paul Simonis and his squad have impressed over the last two seasons and did not disappoint once again away at Feyenoord. Oliver Antman rounded off a wonderfully executed attack, bringing his team back on level terms. Chef’s kiss.
Team of the Week
The top XI from last weekend includes four teams contributing significantly to the performance list.
Leading the pack is PEC Zwolle’s Filip Krastev, who was instrumental in clinching the game with a stunning curling effort, alongside 11 won duels, 26 passes in the final third, and leading the team in tackles (3). His teammate Simon Graves is another standout with 14 clearances, 91 touches, 66 passes, and 4 aerial duels won, contributing to an impressive defensive display.
League leaders Ajax also feature two players. Lucas Rosa excelled on his first full Eredivisie start, while compatriot Matheus significantly influenced the victory with an assist. Sparta Rotterdam steps up with two players in the lineup as well. Shunsuke Mito helped his team secure a win with a brace, and Gjivai Zechiel accounted for their remaining goal.
NAC Breda’s Clint Leemans earned his competition a crucial point with a last-gasp penalty while also creating two chances and being involved in all three of his team’s shots on target. He is joined by his teammate Enes Mahmutovic, who made significant contributions on both ends of the pitch with four clearances, a created chance, three aerial duels won, and multiple successful duels.
Heracles’ Jizz Hornkamp leads the forward line after his standout performance with a brace against FC Twente, while Ibrahim Sadiq completes the attacking trio after contributing a goal and solid play defensively.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
