PSV failed to take three points back to Eindhoven. In the Abe Lenstra Stadion it became 1-1 after a physical match. Most of the chances were for PSV, but only Luuk de Jong managed to find the net.
Chance-rich first half
While sc Heerenveen started the game best, PSV had the most chances. Yet the team had Jeroen Zoet to thank for keeping the score 0-0 at the halfway point, as alert goalkeeping on shots by Slagveer and Larsson, among others, kept Zoet's goal clean until halftime. PSV, for their part, were unlucky in their finishing. Twice a ball was cleared off the line, while the team's Lestienne hit the post. The Belgian was the most dangerous PSV attacker before halftime anyway. Twice he appeared from the left side in front of Mulder, but just as often his finishing left much to be desired.
Maxime Lestienne had three good scoring chances | © before halftime.
De Jong saves point, Braamhaar claims lead role
The scoreless first half meant that PSV had to work hard after halftime, especially after referee Braamhaar put the ball on the spot after a foul by Pröpper. The midfielder held his opponent on a corner kick and a penalty followed. A remarkable decision by Braamhaar, as he did not award a penalty to PSV in a similar situation before halftime. Then De Jong was held down by his direct opponent, but Braamhaar saw nothing in it. Cavlan, however, did not care and shot in impeccably: 1-0. PSV seemed stunned by the goal. The team had quite a few chances against, but as often happens Luuk de Jong stood up. The captain received the ball in the 66th minute, perfectly placed by Maher, and finished hard but controlled: 1-1. Both teams went in search of a win in the war of attrition that was the match, but there were no more chances.
Luuk de Jong being taken to the ground here by Kenneth Otigba | © Pics United