PSV U21 has, with two games to go, the prospect of a tenth place. To do so, however, it must win away from De Graafschap, a team that desperately needs the points itself. After a match with enough spectacle, the neutral supporter in particular will be satisfied.
Resilience
In front of a packed Vijverberg, both teams entered the field. For De Graafschap, which still had hopes of making the playoffs, it was make or break. And that was evident in the crowd. They shouted their team to an early lead. PSV U21 showed resilience and closed the ranks. Each time it managed to play under the pressure of the home team, but the first chance didn't come until the 37th minute. Bakayoko sent his direct opponent into the woods. His shot was blocked by a second defender. Still, it was clear that PSV U21 were getting a better grip on the game, and that observation became tangible soon after halftime.
Siege
As if it was a final, so exuberant were the supporters. Ruud van Nistelrooy's men did not let themselves get crazy and continued their hunt for the equalizer. So it was no surprise that Bakayoko, on a pass from Mathias Kjølø, equalized. The home crowd went full steam ahead and from the 75th minute Vincent Müller's goal area was under constant siege. Still, the men in red and white occasionally stormed forward. A low Bakayoko cross was only just missed by August Priske Flyger, who otherwise could have tapped it in for an open goal. In the very last minutes Müller was still of important value by clearing several balls. Thus, PSV U21 fought their way to a very deserved point at De Vijverberg.
Müller; Markelo, Felipe, Comenencia, (88/Leysen) Bahadir; Kjølø, (54/Kreekels) Timan, Colyn; Bakayoko, (55/Priske Flyger) Romero, (88/Touré) Thomas.