PSV edge NEC in eight-goal thriller in Nijmegen

PSV came out on top in a lively and spectacular clash with NEC on Saturday. The reigning champions triumphed in Nijmegen with a 5-3 win, though both sides could easily have scored more.

The victory allowed PSV to bounce back from the surprising home defeat two weeks ago against newly promoted Telstar (0-2). The team’s manager, Peter Bosz, who was shown a yellow card by referee Danny Makkelie in the second half, also saw plenty go wrong with his team at De Goffert. PSV, now on 12 points after five matches, has already conceded 8 goals this season.

Next Sunday, PSV will face Ajax at the Philips Stadion, but first they host Union in the Champions League on Tuesday in Eindhoven.

Under new coach Dick Schreuder, NEC is also known for its attacking football, just like PSV. The home side struggled defensively, missing Philippe Sandler, Jetro Willems, and Bram Nuytinck.

Ricardo Pepi, preferred up front to Myron Boadu, opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a quick turn and shot. Captain Jerdy Schouten provided the assist with a sharp pass into the box.

Ruben van Bommel doubled PSV’s lead after just under half an hour. Taking advantage of a slipping defender on the counter, the left winger rounded goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz and finished calmly: 0-2. Shortly before, PSV had lost Armando Obispo to a head injury, after Bosz had surprisingly named him in the starting lineup.

NEC struck straight from the kickoff. Bryan Linssen squared the ball to Virgil Misidjan, who beat keeper Matej Kovar to make it 1-2. Joey Veerman restored PSV’s two-goal cushion before halftime with a brilliant long-range effort: 1-3.

The second half again offered plenty of action in a match that swung back and forth. In the 49th minute, Ismael Saibari headed home from an Ivan Perisic cross. Youssef El Kachati quickly pulled one back, and Tjaronn Chery further closed the gap with NEC’s third goal.

Boadu had only just come on when he made it 3-5. Chery had a golden opportunity in the 86th minute to make the final stages even more dramatic from the penalty spot, but his effort hit the crossbar before going over the goal.