PSV Eindhoven Held to Frustrating 2-2 Draw by AZ Alkmaar

PSV Eindhoven's lead at the top of the table was reduced to four points after they were held to a 2-2 draw by AZ Alkmaar.

PSV Eindhoven's lead at the top of the league table was reduced to four points after they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by AZ Alkmaar. The result allowed Ajax to close the gap, putting pressure on the league leaders.

AZ Alkmaar had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 10th minute when Troy Parrott, a former Tottenham Hotspur striker, met a cross with a header. However, he directed the ball straight at PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez and then missed the rebound wide to the right. This was a let-off for PSV, who were fortunate to avoid going behind early in the game.

PSV's luck continued shortly after when American midfielder Richard Ledezma made a crucial intervention on the goal line to deny Parrott another scoring chance. Despite this, AZ remained the more dangerous side, and their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 41st minute. Swedish winger Mayckel Lahdo found space in the PSV penalty area and calmly slotted the ball past Benitez to give AZ a well-deserved lead.

PSV Eindhoven came out strong after the break, putting relentless pressure on AZ Alkmaar's goalkeeper, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. Despite their best efforts, however, the league leaders were unable to take the lead, struggling to break down AZ's defensive low block.

In an attempt to inject new life into his team's attack, PSV manager Peter Bosz made a triple substitution after an hour, bringing on fresh legs to try and crack the AZ defense. The move paid off soon after, as substitute Johan Bakayoko delivered a pinpoint low cross to Luuk de Jong, who calmly slotted the ball past Owusu-Oduro to level the score at 1-1.

AZ manager Maarten Martens responded to PSV's equalizer by bringing on youngster Mexx Meerdink in place of Troy Parrott. The substitution proved to be an inspired one, as Meerdink headed in a Sven Mijnans cross to restore AZ's lead. PSV found themselves trailing once again, and with time running out, they pushed hard to salvage at least a point and maintain their advantage over title-chasing Ajax, who had beaten RKC Waalwijk 2-1 earlier in the day.

PSV Eindhoven managed to find another opening in the AZ Alkmaar defense, and after referee Danny Makkelie spotted a handball, they were awarded a penalty. Captain Luuk de Jong stepped up to take the spot kick and scored his second goal of the game, although AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro came close to making a save.

The match ended with AZ pushing for a late winner, but Zico Buurmeester's effort was blocked by Ryan Flamingo in injury time. Ultimately, PSV had to settle for a single point, which allowed Ajax to close the gap to four points in the league standings. Despite the draw, AZ took positives from the game, having secured points for the fourth time in their last five away games in Eindhoven.

AZ will now shift their focus to their upcoming KNVB Cup quarterfinal tie against Ajax, which is scheduled to take place next Tuesday. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with AZ looking to build on their recent success in Eindhoven and Ajax seeking to advance to the semifinals.