PSV Women will take on Ajax in front of their own crowd on Sunday afternoon. In a sold-out TenCate Stadion De Herdgang, Ten Berge's team will play a very important match in the battle for the championship. Together with club top scorer Riola Xhemaili we look ahead to this top affair.
PSV is on a good run, winning its last five matches. A good result was also achieved against NAC last weekend. Riola is satisfied with the victory and looks back on a successful Brabant derby. "We expected beforehand that we would be the dominant side in this match. We tried to score a lot of goals. In hindsight, I think maybe we could have scored more than four times. But a win is a win and of course I am satisfied with this result."
Successful forward
This season, PSV seems to have little trouble finding the net: together with FC Twente, it has scored the most goals in the Eurojackpot Women's Eredivisie. With 12 league goals, Riola plays an important role in PSV's successful attack. The attacking midfielder herself remains down-to-earth and driven. "Even now that we have the most goals in the league, I think we can still improve. Just look at the expected number of goals." In all competitions, the Swiss now stands at 14 goals, making her the top shooter at PSV. "Of course it's nice to be top scorer, but it's not my goal. As an attacking midfielder, my main goal is to help the team."
Revanche
Earlier this season, PSV Women suffered a narrow defeat at the Johan Cruijff Arenan. The Swiss international is therefore keen on sporting revenge. "The defeat earlier this season motivates me tremendously to achieve a victory on Sunday. I am convinced of our qualities and think we are the better team."
Title race
With only five games remaining in the Eurojackpot Women's Eredivisie, the topper against Ajax has a big charge and could be crucial to the final standings of the league. Despite taking on the current number three on Sunday, Riola's preparation remains unchanged. "We prepare the same for every opponent. Of course, we do know that they have good players and that we cannot afford the same mistakes we made against NAC." The difference with pursuer Ajax is minimal making a victory on Sunday of great importance, Riola also knows. "It could be a decisive match for the title. If we win this match, we only have four more games to go. In any case, I am happy that we are playing in front of our own crowd on Sunday and am convinced that this can work in our favor."
Full stadium
For the first time since its opening in December, TenCate Stadion De Herdgang is completely sold out. Riola is looking forward to playing in a full stadium and sees an added advantage for the team in this. "It really gives us a boost. We are happy to play in front of our own crowd. It's the first time for us to play in a sold-out stadium at home and I think everyone in the team is looking forward to it extra because of this."