PSV started the Eredivisie with an away win over FC Utrecht. In Stadion Galgenwaard, coach Phillip Cocu's team won 1-2 thanks to goals by Davy Pröpper and Gastón Pereiro in the second half.
PSV powerless before halftime
Phillip Cocu surprised somewhat by including Steven Bergwijn in his starting lineup. In addition to the outfielder, Héctor Moreno, who missed the Johan Cruijff Schaal due to injury, also started. Nevertheless, PSV never got into their own game before halftime. The team seemed powerless in the first half and failed to break through the tight FC Utrecht defense. The home team was fierce and did create a few chances, one of which ended up in the goal. Sebastien Haller nodded the 1-0 behind Jeroen Zoet in the 16th minute.
Bergwijn started in the starting lineup at PSV. The winger was replaced by Schwaab at halftime.
Substitute Pereiro worth gold
With a tactical intervention at the beginning of the second half, Cocu tried to turn the game around. The coach brought on Daniel Schwaab for Bergwijn, changing to a system with three defenders, and it soon paid off in the equalizer. In the 52nd minute, Davy Pröpper cleverly played himself free and then took an effective shot from about 18 meters: 1-1. However, they did not really succeed in pressing immediately after that. FC Utrecht's chances diminished and PSV dealt with dangerous counterattacks more often. For example through Jetro Willems and Andrés Guardado who both found the fists of goalkeeper Robbin Ruiten. In the end it was substitute Gastón Pereiro who brought PSV the victory after all. Ten minutes before time, he found the far corner from a free kick and gave his team its first win of the season.
Willems in duel with goal scorer Haller.