Ajax took full control of the Eredivisie title race after beating rivals PSV 2-0 in Eindhoven, increasing their lead at the top of the table to nine points.
The match on Sunday was seen as the biggest of the season, with first-placed Ajax visiting second-placed PSV. Ajax were six points ahead before kick-off, meaning PSV had a chance to close the gap to just three points with a win.
PSV had a tough week, as striker Lucas Perez was ruled out with tuberculosis, leaving Luuk de Jong as the only forward available. Ismael Saibari returned to the starting line-up after missing the last three games for disciplinary reasons, while Malik Tillman came back from injury and was named on the bench.
Ajax boss Francesco Farioli started Lucas Rosa at right-back, replacing Anton Gaaei, who was suspended. In midfield, Davy Klaassen started instead of Kian Fitz-Jim, while Steven Berghuis was chosen ahead of Bertrand Traore on the wing.
The game began slowly, with both sides creating one chance each in the first 15 minutes. Kenneth Taylor and Saibari had efforts from inside the box but failed to score.
Ajax focused on solid defending and quick long balls forward rather than keeping possession. PSV pushed forward as the first half went on, but Ajax’s defence stood strong.
Ajax then took the lead when Davy Klaassen scored with a clever turn and finish, silencing the home crowd. It was his 82nd Eredivisie goal, making him Ajax’s second top scorer this century behind Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
After the break, PSV made two changes, with Malik Tillman coming on for his first appearance since January and Tyrell Malacia replacing Mauro Junior, who moved into midfield.
PSV started the second half with lots of pressure, taking seven shots in the first 15 minutes, but couldn’t find a way past Ajax’s defence.
Instead, Ajax doubled their lead. A long kick from goalkeeper Matheus landed at Bertrand Traore’s feet. Malacia couldn’t stop him, and Traore fired in a low shot to make it 2-0.
PSV struggled to respond in the final 20 minutes, and Ajax had a couple more chances before the final whistle. When the match ended, the Ajax players and staff celebrated a big win that put them nine points ahead of PSV, with only seven games left in the season.
