PSV Eindhoven secured a hard-fought 2–1 away victory against Groningen in Matchday 22 of the Eredivisie, overcoming an early setback to consolidate their position at the top of the Dutch league table.
Despite being clear favorites, PSV were pushed to their limits by a determined Groningen side, who opened the scoring and caused problems throughout the first half.
Groningen Shock PSV with Early Goal
The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute, when Younes Taha found the net to give Groningen a surprise advantage. PSV struggled to impose their usual dominance, and the score remained 1–0 at halftime.
Head coach Peter Bosz opted not to make any changes during the break, trusting his squad to turn the match around with the players already on the pitch.
Tactical Changes Turn the Game Around
The breakthrough finally came after the hour mark. In the 60th minute, Bosz introduced two key substitutions:
- Dennis Man replaced Esmir Bajraktarevic
- Gasiorowski came on for Obispo
Just five minutes later, PSV equalized through Ismael Saibari, whose goal restored confidence and momentum for the league leaders.
Dennis Man Decides the Match
By @el_loko74 – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link
PSV completed the comeback in the 76th minute, and the decisive moment involved both substitutes. Following a corner kick, Groningen failed to clear convincingly, and the ball fell to Saibari, who nodded it perfectly into the path of Dennis Man.
The Romanian international showed great composure, dribbling past goalkeeper Michael Vaessen before calmly finishing to make it 2–1.
PSV Extend Their Lead at the Top
With this victory, PSV move to 59 points after 22 matches, extending their lead at the top of the Eredivisie to 17 points ahead of Feyenoord. The result further underlines PSV’s consistency and title credentials this season.
What’s Next for PSV?
PSV will be back in action on February 13, when they travel to face FC Volendam in their next Eredivisie fixture—a match in which they will once again start as clear favorites.
