Sunday, Dec. 18, was already circled in red in many agendas as soon as the KNVB announced the Eredivisie schedule. Whatever the league course, Ajax - PSV is always fraught and of great importance in the title race.
Dominant
PSV and Ajax are so dominant that it has only happened twice since the beginning of this century that either PSV or Ajax fell short of the title. Not surprisingly, the teams of Peter Bosz and Phillip Cocu attach great importance to this weekend's showdown. The result could determine how both clubs feel going into the winter break.
Both behind
But this year there is something special: not PSV or Ajax, but Feyenoord leads the league after 16 (and probably 17) rounds. The club that loses points in Amsterdam will not be able to close the gap to Feyenoord, so they will have to chase even harder in the second part of the league. If Ajax wins, PSV could find themselves nine points behind. If PSV wins, the club will be back next to Ajax and then both teams may have to close a six-point gap on Feyenoord.
Defeat in Enschede
Ajax was unbeaten in ten league games in a row until last week and also did not suffer a defeat in the UEFA Europa League. The gap to Feyenoord was quickly closed and Ajax seemed to be looking forward to the match against PSV with a good feeling. Until FC Twente put an end to that streak last week in Enschede. Nick Viergever caused a penalty kick, got a red card and will not be there against PSV. That penalty kick in the final minute was scored by Mateusz Klich. It proved to be the knockout for the Ajaciens, as it remained 1-0. To what extent that blow still reverberates in Amsterdam, we will see in the top match against PSV.