Eredivisie: PSV Eindhoven vs Ajax Amsterdam Ends in Thrilling 2-2 Draw
The Eredivisie title chase took a dramatic turn as Ajax slipped up against PSV Eindhoven. PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Read more.
PSV's defense was tested when Youri Baas made a crucial goal-line clearance off a corner kick...
Reigning Eredivisie champions PSV were left disappointed after giving away a late lead against bitter rivals Ajax. Oscar Gloukh, who came on as a substitute, scored the equalizer in the 89th minute, earning Ajax a point.
PSV Eindhoven made several changes to their back line following their 5-3 win over NEC Nijmegen. Ryan Flamingo and Yarek Gasiorowski returned to the starting lineup, flanked by Sergino Dest and Anass Salah-Eddine, who earned his first PSV start.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was PSV who took the lead before Gloukh's late equalizer for Ajax. The point earned by Ajax keeps them in contention, while PSV's late collapse was a bitter pill to swallow for the reigning champions.
John Heitinga, the Ajax boss under scrutiny, made some notable changes to his starting lineup. Kasper Dolberg, who has returned to the team, was handed his first start of the season. Brazilian full-back Lucas Rosa also got the nod, replacing Anton Gaaei at right-back.
Youri Regeer retained his spot in the starting lineup, while Oscar Gloukh, Ajax's 15-million-euro signing from Red Bull Salzburg, was left on the bench. Raul Moro, valued at 11 million euros, was also among those left out, as Oliver Edvardsen started for the third consecutive game.
The match between PSV and Ajax got underway, albeit with a delayed start due to fireworks lit by the home crowd, which engulfed the stadium in smoke. Despite the chaotic beginning, PSV made a strong start, with Ismael Saibari scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute. Saibari headed in a cross from Ivan Perisic, giving PSV an early lead.
Ajax struggled to create chances in the first half hour but were awarded a penalty after Oliver Edvardsen was fouled by Sergino Dest inside the box. Kenneth Taylor converted the spot kick, leveling the score and giving Ajax a crucial goal.
PSV's defense was tested when Youri Baas made a crucial goal-line clearance off a corner kick, denying Ajax a potential goal. However, the team's relief was short-lived, as Ruben van Bommel suffered a worrying injury, collapsing to the ground in agony. Van Bommel was subsequently carried off the pitch, leaving concerns about the severity of his injury.
Ajax had opportunities to take the lead before halftime but failed to capitalize. Kenneth Taylor and Mika Godts both had significant chances, but neither could find the back of the net. Ivan Perisic also had a shot that flew wide of the post, adding to Ajax's frustration.
The second half was filled with action, as both teams created scoring opportunities. Ajax's Mika Godts had two chances to score but couldn't find the net. Meanwhile, PSV's Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi also had chances that didn't materialize, with Pepi heading the ball straight at the goalkeeper.
PSV's Joey Veerman made a crucial save 10 minutes after the restart, clearing a shot from Mika Godts off the goal line. Yarek Gasiorowski also blocked a promising chance for Ajax, keeping PSV's lead intact.
As the game wore on, PSV's defense became increasingly sloppy, gifting Ajax several promising attacking opportunities. Despite this, Ajax struggled to capitalize on these chances due to the absence of a natural striker, having replaced Kasper Dolberg with Oscar Gloukh at halftime.
Ajax's attacking play was inefficient, with only two of their eight shots on target in the second half. Despite creating opportunities, they couldn't find the back of the net, leaving them reliant on moments of brilliance to change the game's course.
It ends all square in Eindhoven. pic.twitter.com/ydzyPCHKK9
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) September 21, 2025
Tense Final Moments
The final 15 minutes were intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Oscar Gloukh came close to giving Ajax the lead with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the post. PSV also had a chance to retake the lead when the goalkeeper mishandled a cross, but the referee blew for a foul, denying PSV the opportunity.
Ismael Saibari created a dangerous chance with a classy backheel touch that outplayed the Ajax defenders. However, he couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, blasting his open shot wide right. Saibari had another chance less than a minute later, but his shot lacked power, allowing the goalkeeper to make an easy save.
The Philips Stadion erupted in the 81st minute as Yarek Gasiorowski scored PSV's second headed goal of the day. Gasiorowski was left unmarked in the heart of Ajax's defense and capitalized on the opportunity, giving PSV a 2-1 lead.
John Heitinga's tactical move to bring on Raul Moro for Lucas Rosa paid off as Ajax forced an equalizer. In the 88th minute, Oscar Gloukh scored a crucial goal, finishing a beautifully created chance after Kenneth Taylor lobbed the ball into PSV's box. Gloukh's finish past Matej Kovar secured a 2-2 draw for Ajax.
The late equalizer meant PSV couldn't hold onto their lead, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Ajax stayed one point behind PSV in the standings and failed to close the gap to league leaders Feyenoord. The draw maintained the intense rivalry between the two teams in the Eredivisie.
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