PSV one victory away from dramatic title win on final day; Ajax praying for a slip-up
PSV is preparing for a potential Eredivisie title win on Sunday. The Eindhovenaren can complete an incredible comeback in the title race by beating Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. Ajax, who can still win the title if PSV lose or draw against Sparta and the Amsterdammers beat FC Twente in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
It was a dramatic night of Eredivisie action on Wednesday that put PSV in the driving seat for the title. Ajax, who led the league by nine points at the beginning of April, completed their collapse over the last month by conceding a goal in the 100th minute against FC Groningen. This ensured that PSV is in control of its own destiny going into the final game of the season.
PSV manager Peter Bosz told the press on Sunday that he is doing his best to keep his players focused. "I just want to do what we've been doing the last few weeks, when we've been winning our games. How do you win them? By giving it your all and being fully focused. That's why I try to keep them away from you and from peripheral issues. We have to stay away from the 'what if' questions. The rest doesn't matter.”
Sparta Rotterdam, managed by former Ajax manager Maurice Steijn, also still has something to fight for. The Rotterdams have been rejuvenated since Steijn’s appointment in November and find themselves just one point behind a play-off spot for a place in the UEFA Conference League. The Rotterdammers would need to catch one of NEC, SC Heerenveen, and keep FC Groningen, PEC Zwolle, and Heracles Almelo behind them in order to book their play-off spot. The gap between the six teams is at most two points.
Bosz said that he has been impressed by Sparta’s play this season. "We are playing against a good opponent. It is a team that is set up to play attacking football," Bosz explained at the club’s training complex. "We will have to be well-positioned and perform very well."
Ajax’s opponent, FC Twente, has an outside chance of finishing fifth in the Eredivisie, which would give them home advantage in the playoffs. The club from Enschede is two points behind AZ Alkmaar after the two teams played out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. AZ faces already relegated Almere City on the final day.
The relegation battle seems to be a formality. RKC Waalwijk is currently three points behind Willem II with a total of 10 goals difference. Willem II is seven points behind their nearest team, NAC Breda, which means that they can already be prepared for the relegation play-offs.
