Excelsior lost the top spot in the Eredivisie on Saturday evening after a 1-2 defeat to PSV. The Kralingers, who won 4-0 against Cambuur last week, failed to maintain their lead against the defending champions. Casper Widell briefly equalized for Excelsior, but Ricardo Pepi ultimately scored the decisive goal for PSV. League standing: 9th in Eredivisie, 3 pts, 1W-0D-1L from 2 games, recent form LW.
What happened in the match?
PSV started strongly and took the lead after just five minutes through Ruben van Bommel. Excelsior responded slowly and only came into the game in the second half. Widell headed in the equalizer from an Irakli Yegoian cross, but Pepi was on target again within two minutes. Van Gassel kept Excelsior in the game with several crucial saves, but the equalizer never came.
Why is this important for Excelsior?
The defeat means Excelsior has to relinquish the top spot in the league. With three points from two matches, they are now in ninth place, three points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar. The Kralingers must now focus on the next match against Utrecht, scheduled for January 31, 2027. Goals this season: 5 scored, 2 conceded (+3 goal difference).
What comes next?
Excelsior now has a week to prepare for the away match against Utrecht. Peter Bosz's team will need to work on defensive stability, especially after conceding two goals in this match. Title race: 3 points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar.
