PSV win KNVB Cup for the tenth time in history | OneFootball

PSV came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-1 win over rivals Ajax on Sunday evening after a thrilling KNVB Cup final at the Rotterdam Kuip. Erick Gutiérrez and Cody Gakpo scored the goals for PSV in a nerve-racking game.

PSV set the tone PSV lined up in the sold-out Rotterdam Kuip with the same eleven that lost out to Leicester City. 17,500 traveling fans sang and chanted, with the incessant drum beat creating a terrific atmosphere in an exciting Cup final. PSV put a great deal of energy into the match, only after a tough encounter with Leicester City, and created the first chances. Cody Gakpo hit a low shot straight at Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Mario Götze superby moved between the lines but did not connect with Gakpo. The German playmaker played in Eran Zahavi who had the ball in the net but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. PSV had set the tone for an enervating Cup final.

0-1   down at half-time Ajax also had their moments but PSV custodian Yvon Mvogo comfortably gathered a number of shots on target. The Amsterdam outfit took a 23rd minute lead when Ryan Gravenberch swapped passes with Davy Klaassen before unleashing a low well-placed shot from the edge of the penalty area: 0-1. PSV showed grit and determination and looked to strike on the counter with an attack started by Mario Götze and Philipp Max, but no team mate was on hand to convert.  Noussair Mazraoui scored a second goal for Ajax on the stroke of half- time but VAR spotted Dusan Tadic had been marginally offside in the build-up. PSV were 0-1 down at half time but still had everything to play for.

Phenomenal comeback After Roger Schmidt’s half-time team talk, PSV burst out of the blocks and struck twice in the course of five crazy minutes. They scored an equaliser in the 48th minute. Cody Gakpo took a free kick that was flicked on by Ibrahim Sangaré into the path of Erick Gutiérrez who headed powerfully home from close range: 1-1. And two minutes later PSV were in front when Cody Gakpo intercepted a sloppy pass. He ran to the Ajax goal and beat Stekelenburg at his near post with a low vicious shot from  twenty yards out to complete a phenomenal comeback: 2-1. Ajax responded quickly but Davy Klaassen had his goal ruled out by VAR for offside from Brian Brobbey. Ajax surged forward but PSV’s defence held firm with Jordan Teze and Mauro JR making some well-timed sliding tackles.

Nail-biting closing stages PSV showed great character in the nail-biting closing stages in their bid to win the tenth KNVB Cup in history. Ajax left space behind their defence and PSV got some fine chances to net a third goal. Götze went close but was thwarted by Stekelenburg. Schmidt introduced Ritsu Doan and Bruma and the two forwards created a great goal threat. Bruma fluked three chances and another substitute Yorbe Vertessen hit the post. PSV kept their composure and held firm, also in the six minutes of added time, and after the final whistle had gone, captain Cody Gakpo and vice-captain Marco van Ginkel were first to lift the coveted trophy. Celebrations in Eindhoven lasted into the small hours!