PSV suffer third league defeat of the season as NEC win 3–2 in Eindhoven

PSV lost to NEC for the second time this month on Saturday. Following a 3–2 loss in Nijmegen in the KNVB Cup semifinal, the league leaders were also beaten in the league, with NEC claiming another 3–2 victory at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.

It was PSV’s third loss of the Eredivisie season. The side managed by Peter Bosz had previously suffered defeats against Telstar, 2–0, and FC Volendam, which won 2–1.

The defeat means PSV will not be able to clinch the title this weekend. The Brabant club needed a win of its own and a Sunday loss by Feyenoord against Excelsior Rotterdam for that to happen. PSV is scheduled to play away at Telstar next Sunday.

NEC took the lead in the 20th minute through Bryan Linssen. The striker latched onto a precise through pass from Sami Ouaissa, broke free toward goal, and finished with his right foot through the legs of goalkeeper Matěj Kovář to make it 1–0. Soon afterward, Jasper Cillessen, impressive throughout the match, denied Ricardo Pepi an equalizer.

Linssen missed a major opportunity earlier in the half, but found success for the second time in the 38th minute. The attacker outmuscled defender Yarek Gasiorowski before slotting the ball under Kovar. Although Linssen appeared to handle the ball during the play, the officials ruled that no foul had occurred.

Just before the break, Kiliann Sildillia pulled PSV back into the game with an equalizer from a corner kick. Despite Jasper Cillessen appearing to be fouled by Pepi, the goal was allowed to stand.

Bosz substituted Gasiorowski at half-time, bringing on Myron Boadu as an extra attacker. The former AZ striker came close to an equalizer after an hour, but Cillessen made the save at the near post.

Instead, substitute Youssef El Kachati extended NEC's lead to 1-3 midway through the second half. Couhaib Driouech pulled one back for PSV in stoppage time, but the home side could not complete the comeback.

This marked a historic milestone for NEC, who had never previously won an Eredivisie away match against PSV.