Eredivisie Update
Just when you thought Bundesliga was the most exciting league in Europe, Netherlands' Eredivisie delivers the closest possible finish.
PSV Eindhoven, at one stage , were 11 points clear at the top. However, with injury problems affecting the performance of the team, AZ Alkmaar and Amsterdam Ajax came right back into the title reckoning. Until last week with just two rounds remaining, PSV were still on top, but they drew with Utrecht 1-1 while AZ and Ajax won their matches.
With the last round of matches to go, all three teams were on 72 points ! AZ were top with a goal difference of +53, Ajax were second with +47 and PSV went to third with +46. AZ just needed a win against Excelsior Rotterdam, and were favourites. Ajax had an outside chance, playing at lowly Willem II Tilburg. PSV were to play their last game at home against Vitesse Arnhem.
In the final round yesterday, AZ Alkmaar suffered a 3-2 defeat at Excelsior Rotterdam, thereby losing the chance to win the title. Ajax won 2-0 at Willem II Tilburg ending up with 75 points and a goal difference of +49. PSV Eindhoven won 5-1 against Vitesse Arnhem, ending up with 75 points and a goal difference of +50, and winning the league by the narrowest of margins ! Ajax remained second, and AZ Alkmaar slipped to third.
For sheer closeness, nothing could beat that !
PSV Eindhoven, at one stage , were 11 points clear at the top. However, with injury problems affecting the performance of the team, AZ Alkmaar and Amsterdam Ajax came right back into the title reckoning. Until last week with just two rounds remaining, PSV were still on top, but they drew with Utrecht 1-1 while AZ and Ajax won their matches.
With the last round of matches to go, all three teams were on 72 points ! AZ were top with a goal difference of +53, Ajax were second with +47 and PSV went to third with +46. AZ just needed a win against Excelsior Rotterdam, and were favourites. Ajax had an outside chance, playing at lowly Willem II Tilburg. PSV were to play their last game at home against Vitesse Arnhem.
In the final round yesterday, AZ Alkmaar suffered a 3-2 defeat at Excelsior Rotterdam, thereby losing the chance to win the title. Ajax won 2-0 at Willem II Tilburg ending up with 75 points and a goal difference of +49. PSV Eindhoven won 5-1 against Vitesse Arnhem, ending up with 75 points and a goal difference of +50, and winning the league by the narrowest of margins ! Ajax remained second, and AZ Alkmaar slipped to third.
For sheer closeness, nothing could beat that !