Two (2). The match PSV C1 -AZ C1 was dominated by the number 2 beforehand. Both teams have met twice this season. The first time was in the context of the Super Cup. PSV won 2-0. The second match was friendly and ended in two 2's (2-2). Wondering what this match would bring in the semis (1/2). And whether PSV manages to qualify for the final for the second consecutive time. If only it wouldn't be a 2 on the toto sheet....

Under the glorious spring sunshine (it really is the same sun as in winter), both teams played at De Herdgang. PSV today was coached by Edwin de Wijs and Eric Addo.

PSV started the match well and it rewarded itself by scoring the opening goal in the 5th minute. A corner from the left was delightfully laid down at the 2nd post by Robin Schoonbrood. There Armando Obispo jumped highest of all. Like a falcon he stayed put and headed the ball in hard: 1-0. What a dream start!!!

In the 10th minute Robin was allowed to take another corner. But now the ball passed everyone and everything. Even before 15 minutes had been played, PSV could have extended the lead. But unfortunately 2 crosses from the fast Amar Catiç just did not go through.

PSV thus dominated the first quarter of the match. But still had to deal with a disappointment when AZ came alongside "out of the blue". Over the right side of PSV, AZ came through. The cross was initially deflected away by Arne Lekens, but the ball ended up at the feet of the AZ central defender, who shot hard.

After the equalizer, the AZ team took over the initiative. It was threatening now and then, especially in the transition, without creating big chances. But PSV also got its chances. No goals were scored before halftime.

Just after half time PSV had the chance to take the lead again. After a beautiful ball from Leandro Fernandes, Amar was sent into the depth. His cross went to Cody Gakpo, who was knocked down before he could do anything. Penalty judged by the referee. Cody positioned himself behind the ball and shot it well. But with a cat-like reflex, the AZ goalie whipped the ball out of the corner. And so the old cliché came out again: "never let the player who got the penalty take it himself".

Despite the setback, PSV continued. It was the slightly better team and gave little away. Apart from a great chance for the AZ striker in the 45th minute (his effort ended up in the side netting), the opportunities were for the Eindhoven team. Unfortunately, Leandro saw his header go wide. And Baggio Wallenburg shot just wide. Justin Lonwijk also went close, trying to pass the keeper with a lob after a beautiful long ball from behind by Lars Dickens.

Six minutes before time, PSV suffered a setback. On the edge of offside, the speedy AZ striker was able to go through alone. The substitute Aboubacar Kone could only do one thing and tap him lightly. Result: red for him and PSV had to continue the last phase with one man less. AZ did not take advantage of this, so penalties had to decide who would play in the cup final.

And that is usually a lottery. This time also with 2 goalkeepers who have proven to be able to stop a penalty. Arne Lekens has stopped several penalties this season at PSV. The AZ goalie showed today that he also mastered that trick.

AZ started the series and Arne immediately turned the first best 11m! Lars Dickens then did take advantage of PSV's first. AZ then scored as well, although Arne was very close. The second for PSV was also a hit: Leandro Fernandes scored in a controlled manner. The third series was a hit for both teams, with Justin Lonwijk shooting beautifully on behalf of PSV. AZ's fourth penalty, however, was again turned away by Arne, after which Amar Catiç was able to shoot PSV into the final. Fortunately Amar stayed calm and took the liberating penalty!!!

PSV plays the cup final for the 2nd time in a row! Opponent in this final is Ajax who eliminated Willem II in the other semi-final. This makes this season's final the same as last year's: PSV versus Ajax. It will be played on Saturday, May 17, at a neutral venue to be determined.


Arne Lekens; Baggio Wallenburg, Lars Dickens, Armando Obispo (c) (57' Aboubacar Kone), Gaetan Bosiers; Robin Schoonbrood, Leandro Fernandes, Justin Lonwijk; Amar Catiç, Cody Gakpo (60' Sekou Sidibe), Yasin Aalillou (64' Jordan Teze).

Red card: Aboubacar Kone (pulling down broken player).