Persevering PSV still in hunt

PSV Eindhoven kept themselves in the Dutch Eredivisie title race with victory prior to AFC Ajax’s goalless draw at NEC Nijmegen, meaning Ronald Koeman’s side will have to wait at least another week if they are to be crowned champions.

State of play
Ajax would have won the title if PSV had dropped points against RBC Roosendaal on Saturday and they had triumphed – but the Eindhoven club won 3-0 and are now just six points adrift of the leaders with three matches remaining. Ajax have 71 points and travel to third-bottom FC Zwolle next Sunday while PSV, on 65, face penultimate-placed FC Volendam.

Ajax struggle
Ajax struggled in Nijmegen and appear out of form for the championship run-in. Both teams created chances but excellent goalkeeping from Bogdan Lobont and Dennis Gentenaar ensured sheets were kept clean. PSV experienced no such problems against RBC on Saturday, going ahead when Mark van Bommel slotted in after stealing possession on the halfway line and doubling the lead eight minutes later through the prolific Mateja Kezman. The third came two minutes from time, Dennis Rommedahl drilling the ball in from the edge of the box.

Under pressure
PSV, however, remain under pressure from third-placed Feyenoord, who achieved a 2-0 home victory against Volendam. Polish international Ebi Smolarek converted a Shinji Ono cross a minute before half-time and Dirk Kuijt sealed the win from the penalty spot.

Saturday games
Also on Saturday, Martijin Meerdink collected a hat-trick as fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar demolished visitors RKC Waalwijk 7-0 while Georgi Gakhokidze and Blaise N’Kugo were both on target in a 2-0 defeat of Willem II in front of their own fans. SC Heerenveen and SBV Vitesse cancelled each other out in a scoreless draw on Friday.

Relegation issues
At the wrong end of the table, ADO Den Haag's hopes of avoiding relegation suffered a blow following a 1-0 loss at NAC Breda, Csaba Fehér scoring the winner after just three minutes. FC Zwolle fought back from 2-0 down at FC Groningen to draw 2-2 as Albert van der Haar and Mauro Almeida both found the net late on.