Perisic and Til Shine as Champions Keep Title Hopes Alive, While AZ’s Struggles Continue
PSV Eindhoven took full advantage of Ajax’s recent stumble, edging past FC Twente 3-1 in a thrilling encounter to cut the league leaders’ advantage to just six points. With Ajax suffering a shocking 4-0 defeat to FC Utrecht last weekend, Peter Bosz’s men knew victory in Enschede was crucial—but they had to fight back after an early scare.
Twente struck within the first minute when American defender Richard Ledezma’s careless giveaway allowed Naci Ünüvar to set up Ricky van Wolfswinkel for a lightning opener. However, PSV responded swiftly, with veteran winger Ivan Perišić leveling the score just ten minutes later thanks to a slick assist from Guus Til.
The visitors dominated much of the first half, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall into a stunning save, but they had to wait until after halftime to take control. Eight minutes into the second half, Perišić turned provider, setting up Til for his tenth league goal of the season. Captain Luuk de Jong—facing his former club—then sealed the win with a simple finish, keeping PSV’s faint title hopes alive.
Ajax Still in Control, But Pressure Mounts
With just four games left, Ajax remain favorites, but their recent collapse against Utrecht has given PSV a glimmer of hope. The Amsterdam giants host in-form Sparta Rotterdam this weekend, with former boss Maurice Steijn returning to the Johan Cruyff ArenA.
AZ’s Woes Deepen in Stalemate With NAC Breda
Elsewhere, AZ Alkmaar’s miserable run continued as they were held 1-1 by relegation-battling NAC Breda. Slovakian teenager Leo Sauer put NAC ahead in the second half, and it took a spectacular 96th-minute bicycle kick from Mexx Meerdink to salvage a point for the cup finalists.
NAC’s draw moves them to 32 points—just two shy of the traditional safety mark of 34—while AZ’s struggles persist. Since their penalty shootout heartbreak against Go Ahead Eagles in the KNVB Cup final, Pascal Jansen’s side have managed just one win in all competitions. With European playoff spots on the line, AZ must rediscover their form quickly—or risk missing out on continental football next season.
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