Outside of AZ and Ajax, it was a disappointing week in European competitions for Eredivisie clubs. With just two games left in all competitions, the business end of the league phase is well and truly upon us.
PSV โdeservedly loseโ against Atletico Madrid
PSV head coach Peter Bosz felt that his side were deservedly beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Eredivisie defending champions have been in fantastic form in recent weeks, and goals from Guus Til and Ricardo Pepi gave them a chance. However, Atletico proved too strong overall and ran out 3-2 winners. PSV have eight points from six games but face tough games with Bayern Munich and Newcastle to end their Champions League campaign. They will likely need some points from these to guarantee their progress to the knock-out stages.
Ajax finally win
Ajax have won three games in a row and picked up their first win in the Champions League over Qarabag. Ajax were 2-1 down as the game wound down, only for Oscar Gloukh to grab a brace and Anton Gaaei to score his first goal in the competition late on. Ajax have very little chance of making it to the next round, but at least wonโt end the competition without a win. The Eredivisie side face Villarreal and Olympiacos to round out their Champions League league phase.
Utrecht fall to late Nottingham Forest goal
Utrecht looked set to take a point in the Europa League until late on against Nottingham Forest. Mike van der Hoorn had equalised in the 73rd minute for the Eredivisie side, only for Igor Jesus to deny them a point late on. Utrecht are winless in their six games, with one draw and five defeats. They would need a miracle to qualify for the next round, with big wins required over Genk and Celtic.
Go Ahead Eagles go behind early against Lyon
Three goals in the opening 11 minutes saw Go Ahead Eagles lose 2-1 away to Ligue 1 side Lyon. Afonso Moreira gave Lyon an early lead, only for Milan Smit to equalise for the Eredivisie side three minutes later. However, Pavel Sulc made it 2-1 after 11 minutes and neither side could find another goal. With six points, Go Ahead Eagles are still in with a chance of making it to the next round of the Europa League. This will require taking points from their final two games against Nice and Braga.
Feyenoord suffer defeat in Romania
Feyenoord conceded late in Bucharest to lose 4-3 to FCSB in the Europa League. The side were 3-1 up after just over 51 minutes thanks to goals from Casper Tengstedt, Quinten Timber and Leo Sauer. However, Mihai Toma scored in the 54th minute to keep FCSB in the game. Mamadou Thiam then equalised in the 87th minute. Feyenoord should have been able to hold out, but a 95th minute goal from Flrin Tanase meant they left Romania with nothing. Feyenoord have just one win from six games and are four points adrift of Celtic in 24th. The side need to win against both Sturm Graz and Real Betis to stand a chance of making it to the next round.
AZ look set for extended European campaign
Only AZ, competing in the Conference League, look set to be going beyond the league phases this season. The side beat Drita 3-0 away from home thanks to goals from Sven Mijnans, Isak Steiner Jensen and Ibrahim Sadiq. AZ have won three of their five games so far and are may be carrying the flag for the Eredivisie in a few months time. If they can avoid defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok next week, they will be guaranteed of a spot in the next round. Victory could also see them sneak into the top eight.
GBeNeFNย |ย Ben Jackson
