Eredivisie champions, PSV Eindhoven returned to winning ways for the first time since clinching their 27th league title last weekend, securing a 2-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam at Het Kasteel.
Peter Bosz’s side introduced an eye-catching change to their lineup, handing 18-year-old Belgian prospect Noah Fernandez a starting role in midfield as Joey Veerman missed out through injury.
Sparta Rotterdam enjoyed a lively start and carved out several early opportunities, but PSV gradually grew into the contest and began to dominate possession and territory.
Despite sustained pressure, the visitors initially struggled to convert chances, with Ricardo Pepi, Paul Wanner, Ivan Perišić, and Ismael Saibari all testing Joël Drommel without success.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in first-half stoppage time, when Pepi rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Guus Til, powering a header into the net to send PSV into the break with a narrow lead.
After the interval, PSV eased off slightly and were nearly punished when Joshua Kitolano failed to make clean contact with a promising chance, allowing goalkeeper Matej Kovář to gather Sparta’s best opportunity of the match.
The defending champions, though not at their fluent best, sealed the result late on as Saibari added a second goal to confirm a 2-0 win and ensure PSV’s perfect post-title start in Rotterdam.
