Attention!
Match will be played at VDL Maassluis' sports complex. Sportlaan 1, Maassluis
Cup football. It always has something magical when you utter the word "cup football." Regardless of the level being played at.

For PSV C1, Valentine's Eve was all about the famous cup football. And with an away game at Feyenoord, it was immediately an attractive affair. After all, both teams are at the top of the regular league with 2nd and 3rd places.

PSV was hoping for a reprise of last season. Then Feyenoord - PSV were the semi-finals, and PSV were the finalists after taking penalties. Now both teams meet already in the quarterfinals. Would PSV be able to come out victorious again? And thus come IN as semi-finalist?

PSV started without goalkeeper Arne Lekens who was suspended for this important match due to a red card. His honors were done by Mike van de Nieuwenhof. Right: the man who was partly responsible for reaching the cup final last season.

Because the past two weekends the games were cancelled, this cup game was the first game for PSV C1 in February. On Valentine's Day, no less! Instead of a romantic dinner with candlelight and a romantic sequel, an important match in autumnal conditions. Little romance was in the air. Wind and rain did hang in the air......

Because the PSV bus was delayed at the Beneluxtunnel, the match started half an hour later. This was very much against Feyenoord's wishes. Despite the many exotic names on the pitch, it was cold and bleak. But PSV did not care. And had a great chance immediately in the 2nd minute despite the fierce wind against. Amar Catiç had moved out to the left side and tricked several Feyenoord players. From the back line he laid the ball back where striker Cody Gakpo did not get his left foot to the ball well enough. Feyenoord also had an opportunity in the opening stages, but a shot went wide in the 6th minute.

Feyenoord had most of the ball possession but, despite the wind at their backs, could create little real danger. PSV kept their footing relatively easily and sometimes got through danger on the wings through the speedy Yasin Aalillou and Amar Catiç.

Feyenoord did take the lead in the 27th minute. After last man Armando Obispo had come up and was stranded on the Feyenoord halfway line, Feyenoord changed gear quickly and a deep ball brought the captain face to face with keeper Mike van de Meulenhof. He coolly scored the 1-0.

PSV did not give up and took over the initiative as the half progressed. After a few pinpricks it was Amar who scored the equalizer just before half time. After some good pressure near the Feyenoord goal area, captain Justin Lonwijk intercepted the ball and played it to Amar on the right. Amar remained calm and slid the ball into the far corner: 1-1. That was also the score at halftime.

After half time PSV had the wind with them. After Feyenoord almost profited from a sloppy kick by goalkeeper Mike, PSV dictated the game. And quickly rewarded themselves with a lead. After a good move by Leandro Fernandes near the halfway line, he sent away Justin Lonwijk on the outside right. His "ball back" to Robin Schoonbrood was good. Robin's finish was perfect: fabulously he shot the ball into the far corner: 1-2!

After Gaétan Bosiers hit the goalkeeper with his shot in the 60th minute, Feyenoord came in front of the PSV goal for the first time in the 2nd half. But fortunately Mike was attentive at the first post. With a few minutes to play, PSV got a corner on the right. Leandro's ball was cleared just in front of Armando's head. But it ended up exactly in front of the left foot of Robin. He did not think twice and lashed in with a hard left from 25 meters. Supported by the wind the ball plunged into the goal like a rocket. Leaving the Feyenoord goalkeeper completely defenseless: 1-3.

Feyenoord still tried in the closing stages, but it was no more than a shot that went wide.

Based on the whole match, it was a deserved victory for PSV. They showed a strong collective today. Compliments boys! Despite the cold, the play and commitment was heartwarming.

In the semifinals the team of trainers Edwin de Wijs and Joonas Kolkka now meets AZ. The other semifinal is between Willem II and Ajax.

And so this Valentine's Day ended nicely after all....


Mike van de Nieuwenhof; Baggio Wallenburg, Lars Dickens (35' James Fofana), Armando Obispo, Gaétan Bosiers; Robin Schoonbrood, Leandro Fernandes, Justin Lonwijk (c) (68' Davy van de Berg) Amar Catiç, Cody Gakpo (60' Sekou Sidibe), Yasin Aalillou.

Yellow cards: Armando Obispo, Davy van de Berg and Leandro Fernandes.