PSV Fail to Hold on to Lead, Settling for 3-3 Draw with NEC

PSV created most of the chances in the first ten minutes, but it was NEC who had the best opportunity for the opening goal. French full-back Brayann Pereira had a free shot at goal but fired it wide. PSV struggled to create much in the first half, and NEC almost capitalized when Indonesian international Calvin Verdonk volleyed at Walter Benitez, but the Argentinian keeper kept it out.

Surprisingly, PSV took the lead just seven minutes into the second half. The NEC defense failed to clear the ball, and Luuk de Jong pounced on the mistake, scoring past NEC goalkeeper Robin Roefs to make it 1-0. PSV looked stronger in the second half but still didn’t create many clear chances, leaving NEC in the game. 

NEC equalized 15 minutes later when Sami Ouaissa scored from a scramble in the box after a free-kick by Vito van Crooij. However, PSV regained the lead just seven minutes after that when Ismael Saibari smashed the ball past Roefs to make it 2-1. Johan Bakayoko then extended the lead with a calm finish off a Mauro Junior pass, making it 3-1.

As the match seemed to be winding down, Ryan Flamingo misjudged a pass back to Benitez, giving NEC’s Kento Shiogai the chance to pull one back with a simple finish in front of an empty net in the 90th minute. 

The tension in injury time grew when Benitez misjudged a Vito van Crooij corner, allowing Bryan Linssen to score the equalizer in the 95th minute. PSV dropped more points in the title race for the third time in four games, while NEC celebrated the draw, keeping them close to the top 8. With PSV conceding at least twice in seven straight matches for the first time since 1958, their defensive struggles are clear.

NEC Nijmegen will face FC Groningen on February 8, Almere City on February 16, and FC Twente (away) on February 23. PSV’s upcoming matches include Willem II on February 8, FC Utrecht on February 15, and Go Ahead Eagles (away) on March 1.