A short while to go before PSV and Feyenoord start the top match of this premier league weekend at De Kuip. The match in Rotterdam is often a tough one for PSV, but we also keep good memories of it. In the run-up to edition number 125, the editors of PSV.nl highlight three previous editions.
Feb. 25, 2018: Feyenoord - PSV 1-3
To begin, we stay close to the present. Last season, PSV recorded a resounding 3-1 win at De Kuip on a freezing Sunday afternoon, Feb. 25, 2018. Phillip Cocu's champion team played strongly from the switch and was deadly effective. Title rival Ajax had drawn 0-0 against ADO Den Haag earlier that afternoon. That allowed PSV to run out and make the gap seven points with nine games left on the schedule. It could be a crucial battle in the title race.
And it was. Because through a header by the now departed Santiago Arias, a razor-sharp counter via goalkeeper Gastón Pereiro and goal scorer Bergwijn, and a tap-in by the Uruguayan, PSV won fairly easily 3-1 in Rotterdam. Just under two months later, PSV became national champions.
January 17, 2016: Feyenoord - PSV 0-2
"PSV gave Feyenoord a lesson in 'how to win a top game,'" NRC Handelsblad wrote on Jan. 17, 2016. On that day, PSV won 2-0 over Feyenoord at De Kuip. A crucial win in yet another championship year. It was PSV's first win on Feyenoord soil since 2009. PSV also struggled in that match in early 2016, but Cocu's team also knew it could give Feyenoord a big thump in the title race. The selection had gained body that season in the Champions League duels with CSKA Moscow, VfL Wolfsburg and Manchester United. PSV wintered on the highest European stage and the confidence the team gained from that took them to the Eredivisie.
Without really dominating, PSV still managed to control games. Time and again the team was able to lean on its strong defense and fast attackers. It was 0-2 through goals by Héctor Moreno and Luciano Narsingh. Four months later, PSV became Dutch champions on the last match day.
January 27, 1980: Feyenoord - PSV 0-3
PSV's biggest home win against Feyenoord is well known. The 10-0 in October 2010 was not only historic and impressive, but also unparalleled. These are figures you don't expect in a top match. At De Kuip, PSV's biggest win is significantly less impressive. In 1980 it was 0-3 thanks to a hat-trick by Paul Postuma. The first goal fell as early as the first minute, making it PSV's fastest goal in De Kuip of all time. The team of then coach Kees Rijvers finished third that season.