PSV defeated Ajax 3-1 in the first major Eredivisie match of the 2026-27 season.
The defending champions secured the victory at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam on Saturday.
Ricardo Pepi gave PSV the lead after only four minutes.
Ivan Perišić delivered a cross to the far side of the penalty area. Ruben van Bommel headed the ball towards Pepi, who scored from close range.
Ajax responded strongly and equalised in the 23rd minute.
Tolu Arokodare produced a low shot that bounced into the far corner.
The home side then missed two major chances to take the lead. PSV goalkeeper Matěj Kovář stopped Julian Brandt’s effort before Steven Berghuis sent the rebound wide.
Lutsharel Geertruida restored PSV’s lead with the final kick of the first half.
The defender, making his PSV debut, volleyed the ball into the far corner to make it 2-1.
A heated confrontation developed during the second half after Van Bommel caught Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman with a dangerous body check.
Referee Sander van der Eijk showed Van Bommel a yellow card.
Esmir Bajraktarević completed PSV’s victory with a low shot during added time.
The result left Ajax six points behind PSV. Ajax still have one game in hand.
It also marked Ajax’s fifth consecutive Eredivisie home match without a victory.
