PSV recorded an important victory over Fortuna Sittard last Sunday. They won 2-1 at home thanks to a late goal by forward Xavi Simons. As a result, a win over sc Heerenveen next week will secure the second spot: a ticket to the preliminary round of the lucrative Champions League.
Earlier this season, Ruud van Nistelrooij’s team did not get beyond a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard. The home game did not go smoothly either. The visitors took the lead within five minutes. Initially the ball was saved off the line by right wing defender Jordan Teze, but the rebound was hit by Fortuna striker Paul Gladon: 0-1.
Moments later, Fortuna Sittard even seemed to double the lead, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball. Less than a minute later, the 1-1 fell. Striker Luuk de Jong headed in a cross from defender Teze. That was also the half-time score.
Late winning goal
After half-time, left forward Thorgan Hazard, right forward Anwar El Ghazi and right wing defender Phillipp Mwene came into the field. Midfielder Guus Til, right forward Johan Bakayoko and Teze stayed behind in the locker room. With over an hour of play on the clock, Van Nistelrooij was forced to make another change when De Jong went out with a knee injury.
PSV then looked to be heading for a costly loss, but Xavi Simons saved the day in the closing stages by shooting the ball into the goal from 18 metres out. The victory allows PSV to secure second place next week on a visit to sc Heerenveen next Sunday.
Source: Studio040
Translator: Martijn
