League leaders PSV drop points in their first game of 2025 with 2-2 draw against AZ

PSV made a less-than-ideal start to 2025 on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with AZ in the Eredivisie. The Eindhovenaren had to come back from behind on two occasions at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven to gain a point. Luuk de Jong scored both goals for the home team, with Mayckel Lahdo and Mexx Meerdink scoring for AZ.

The Eindhovenaren are still top of the Eredivisie table despite the draw. The gap to second-place Ajax, who beat RKC Waalwijk 2-1 earlier in the evening, is now four points.

PSV manager Peter Bosz decided to bench midfielder Joey Veerman again. The Oranje international had also started on the bench in the last match before the winter break, which was a 3-0 win against Feyenoord. AZ’s manager Maarten Martens also made a noticeable decision with his starting lineup, opting for Mayckel Lahdo in the left wing position ahead of Ruben van Bommel.

The first significant chance of the match went to AZ. A perfect cross from David Møller Wolfe was headed straight at Walter Benitez by Troy Parrot. The chance should have been converted by the Irish striker, but what made matters worse was the fact that he also hit the rebound wide.

PSV’s defence was looking shaky as Parrot had another chance to score in the 16th minute. A fantastic attack from Martens’ side resulted in Parrot’s effort being cleared by Richard Ledezma just before it went over the goalline.

Both sides seemed rusty when it came to finishing, as PSV also missed a big opportunity to take the lead in the first half. Ivan Perisic played the ball into the path of Ledezma, whose cross found Ismael Saibari completely unmarked, but his header went wide of the goal.

Just when the game seemed to be heading towards a stalemate at halftime, AZ took the lead. Lahdo repaid his manager’s faith by cutting inside and unleashing a terrific shot that went into the bottom corner to make it 0-1 at halftime.

It was the first time that PSV had failed to get a shot on target in a half of football since 2021 when they also failed to do so against AZ.

A triple substitution from Bosz worked wonders in the 68th minute as the home team equalized. Joey Veerman’s first touch of the ball was a fantastic pass to fellow substitute Guus Til, who got an assist with his first touch by crossing for De Jong to score.

Incredibly, AZ’s substitute also scored with his first touch five minutes later. A cross from Sven Mijnans was headed powerfully into the far corner from just past the penalty spot by Mexx Meerdink to give AZ the lead.

Luck was on PSV’s side as they were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute. Johan Bakayoko, also a part of the aforementioned triple substitution, chipped the ball onto the arm of Ruben van Bommel, and referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot. De Jong took the penalty and converted it to get his second goal of the match and level the scores.

This was also the final score. Both teams had reasons to be disappointed with how the match unfolded. PSV and AZ are in action in midweek in the KNVB Cup. PSV faces Excelsior and AZ plays against Ajax.