PSV 2-1 Go Ahead Eagles: Eredivisie winners triumph against KNVB Cup heroes to claim 2025’s Johan Cruyff Shield | OneFootball

PSV beat Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 at the Philips Stadion on Sunday evening to secure their 15th Johan Cruyff Shield. Following Mathis Suray’s opener, PSV struck back with Sergino Dest and an own goal from Gerrit Nauber to pre-empt their Eredivisie title-defending campaign in the best way.

The pre-season competition’s record winner got revenge with this victory over the KNVB Cup and started on the front foot. While Melvin Boel’s side tried to impose pressure where they could, PSV’s offensive strength came to the fore quickly as Ismael Saibari forced a decent stop from Jari De Busser in the seventh minute.

After some half-positive forward moves from the Eagles, De Busser was busy again less than 20 minutes later, denying Couhaib Driouech with another fine save.

In the 32nd minute, the visitors surprised with PSV with a very dangerous attack. Victor Edvardsen skipped down the right and played the ball back across. It was missed by Dest and Suray struck, finding the crossbar with his effort.

It should’ve woken the hosts up, but instead proved to be a precursor to the eventual deadlock-breaker on 35′. Dean James showed great tenacity on the left wing and crossed low for the adventurous run of Suray. The Belgian got to the ball before his marker and slid home to an echoing delight from the travelling contingent.

Following the interval and an hour of play, Bosz moved for attacking reinforcements. On came Guus Til, Ricardo Pepi, and Ruben van Bommel to send a clear message. PSV pounded Go Ahead’s back line, racking up eight shots with five of those on target. For a short stint, it looked as though the Deventer club were going to stand firm and frustrate their opponents like they did last season. There, they beat the league winners in the Eredivisie and the cup.

However, PSV ultimately prevailed. Ivan Perisic drove down the left before crossing in well. Gerrit Nauber stuck out a reactionary leg and unfortunately directed the delivery past his own keeper. So, it was all square with 12 minutes to play. Go Ahead were perhaps wishful of a similar scenario to their KNVB Beker triumph against AZ after extra time and penalties. However, they just couldn’t get to the line, as a closing crescendo saw PSV steal the lead five minutes from time.

Proving to be an inspired introduction, Guus Til strolled down the right before sliding a cute ball back to Dest on the edge of the Go Ahead box. The right-back lifted his head and powered a fine left-footed drive past De Busser to clinch the Johan Cruyff Shield for the record 15th time, and the first time since 2023.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield