Ajax 2-0 PSV Eindhoven
For the first time in six years, Ajax Amsterdam have reclaimed the Dutch Super Cup after a 2-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutch giants have now won the Johan Cryuff Shield — named after the Ajax club legend — nine times in their history and will get to bring it back home to the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ajax lost young stars Frenkie de Jong and captain Matthijs de Ligt this summer following last year’s magical run which saw them claim the league and cup double for the first time since 2001-02 as well as make it to the Champions League semi-finals.
But the Dutch Super Cup 2019 odds had them favoured to win, and so they proved that even without their star duo, they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Eredivisie this season.
Highlights of the game
Ajax wasted very little time to get the scoring started. Just 35 seconds after kick-off, they took the lead through Kasper Dolberg.
After some patient build-up play, Donny van de Beek found himself in acres of space in the PSV penalty area. The midfielder expertly picked out Dolberg with a cross, and the Danish striker made no mistake with his finish as he gave PSV keeper Jeroen Zoet no chance.
Dolberg really should have doubled his tally just three minutes later. Once again, van de Beek supplied a beautiful through ball for the Dane, who could not find the back of the net this time around as he sent his shot wide.
PSV then had a decent attempt on 28 minutes through Cody Gakpo. The young forward drove a low strike at the edge of the box, which was well gathered by Andre Onana.
Marc van Bommel’s side were close once again moments later as Sam Lammers got on the end of a cross from Michal Sadilek. However, his header was just off the mark.
Dolberg had one more chance fall to him before half-time. The ball broke to him just outside the six-yard box, but his finish once again went agonisingly wide. It wouldn’t have counted had it gone anyway in since Dolberg was just offside.
PSV produced the first big chance of the second half as Steven Berwijn found substitute Donyell Malen overlapping on the left wing. However, Malen — a former Ajax youth product — couldn’t hit the target against his old side, although he was also marginally offside.
And just five minutes later, Ajax finally doubled their advantage. It all started with Daley Blind’s quickly taken free-kick to Dusan Tadic, who laid the ball off for van de Beek. The midfielder had his shot blocked, but he kept it alive for Joel Veltman, who also had his attempt charged down.
Fortunately for Ajax, the ball eventually found its way to Blind, who finished off the move he started with a brilliant left-footed strike which rocketed into the top corner.
There was a VAR review to look at a possible foul by Tadic in the build-up to the goal, but it eventually stood.
Mexican winger Hirving Lozano came on at the hour mark and quickly made his presence felt. After he sent a shot sailing over the bar, he delivered a dangerous cross that Malen just couldn’t get on the end of.
Malen had another chance of his own minutes later, but he too blasted his strike over the bar.
Ajax full-back Sergino Dest came close to putting the finishing touches on the win on 75 minutes, but his shot hit the post.
In the end, though, the Dutch champions didn’t need another goal as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
Key statistics
Ajax just about edged out possession, 53 per cent to 47, but they had a significant advantage in terms of shots, 15-5. Although, the match wasn’t exactly full of great Dutch Super Cup 2019 highlights, with Ajax getting just three shots on target and PSV one.
Ajax and PSV have faced off five times in Dutch Super Cup history, and the Amsterdam side have now won four of those matches.
What’s next?
Ajax are set to start their new Eredivisie season next week away to Vitesse. But before that, they have one more friendly to get out of the way as they take on Turkish side Sivasspor.
As for PSV, they are also in action next week against Twente. But before that, they have a big midweek match to look forward to as they take on Swiss club Basel in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
PSV hold a 3-2 advantage after two late goals from Sam Lammers and Donyell Malen gave them a remarkable come-from-behind victory in the first leg. Remember to go to SBOBET for odds on that crucial Champions League matchup.
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