Ricardo Pepi strikes late as AZ are edged | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: PSV beat AZ 2-1 at the Philips Stadion to stay clear at the Eredivisie summit. Billy van Duijl put AZ ahead in the 13th minute with a sharp finish. After the restart, Ricardo Pepi swept in the winner from Ivan Perišić's headed pass (86.) after a first half own goal had made it level (45.). Boeren controlled the game, posting 63.6% possession and forcing Rome Owusu-Oduro into seven saves as they outshot the visitors 19–13. Boeren host NEC Nijmegen next in the Eredivisie.

Player of the Match: Ricardo Pepi decided the contest with a late finish, capping a relentless display of seven attempts, four on target, and 10 touches in the box.

Stat of the Match: Ivan Perišić made eight key passes, his supply sustained Boeren's pressure and produced the decisive assist.

Three Things We Learned: Boeren dominated the ball at 63.6% possession and completed 88.4% of 580 passes, which kept AZ pinned back. AZ still produced five shots on target and drew four saves from Matej Kovar, showing they could threaten under pressure. AZ earned six corners, underlining their wide threat despite the defeat.