Match Overview
The Philips Stadium was buzzing on September 21, 2025, as the two Dutch powerhouses faced off in what many expected to be a tactical masterclass. From the first whistle, PSV Eindhoven looked intent on seizing the initiative. PSV vs Ajax lived up to its reputation when Ismael Saibari nudged home a low drive in the 7th minute, sending the home crowd into an early frenzy.
Ajax, however, were not shocked into silence. They pressed high, forcing the PSV back line into a series of hurried clearances. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when a clumsy challenge inside the box gave Ajax a penalty. Kenneth Taylor stepped up, coolly slotting the ball past the keeper to level the score at 1-1 before the halftime break.
The second half mirrored the first in intensity. Both sides exchanged blows, creating chances at either end. PSV regained the lead in the 81st minute when a swift counter‑attack saw Yarek Gasiorowski finish from close range, prompting a wave of celebration among the home supporters.
Yet the drama was far from over. With minutes left, Ajax orchestrated a measured build‑up that culminated in Oscar Gloukh arriving in the box to tap in a crucial equaliser in the 88th minute. The goal not only salvaged a point for Ajax but also highlighted their never‑give‑up attitude.
- 7' – Ismael Saibari (PSV)
- 31' – Kenneth Taylor (penalty, Ajax)
- 81' – Yarek Gasiorowski (PSV)
- 88' – Oscar Gloukh (Ajax)
Implications for the Season
Both clubs entered the match with solid starts to the 2025‑26 Eredivisie campaign. PSV, now on a 4‑1‑1 record, sits on 13 points, while Ajax, with a 3‑3‑0 tally, trails by a single point at 12. The draw underscores how thin the margins are at the top of the table.
For PSV, the result reinforces their attacking depth but also raises questions about defensive resilience, especially after conceding late. Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will likely scrutinise the team’s shape in the final ten minutes, aiming to tighten up against a side that has shown they can strike at any moment.
Ajax’s manager, John Heitinga, will be pleased with the squad’s mental fortitude. Recovering from a deficit twice in one game demonstrates a winning mindset that could prove decisive in the run‑in. The emergence of Oscar Gloukh as a game‑changing option adds a new dimension to their attack, offering a potential alternative to traditional front‑line threats.
Looking ahead, the next fixtures could shape the championship narrative. PSV faces a tough away match against Feyenoord, while Ajax travels to Eindhoven’s rival, FC Utrecht. Both games present opportunities to either extend the gap at the top or see the leaders slip.
In any case, the 2‑2 stalemate serves as a reminder that Dutch football remains fiercely competitive. Fans can expect more fireworks as the season progresses, with PSV and Ajax locked in a battle that could decide the title as the calendar turns.