Geertruida scores on first PSV start in 3-1 victory at Ajax

PSV secured a 3-1 Eredivisie victory away to Ajax as Lutsharel Geertruida marked his first start for the Eindhoven club with a crucial goal. The result was PSV’s first win in Amsterdam since November 2022 and ended a five-match winless run against Ajax consisting of three draws and two defeats.

The visitors went ahead after five minutes through Ricardo Pepi. Ivan Perisic supplied the cross, Ruben van Bommel headed the ball back across goal and Pepi completed the move. Ajax responded strongly, with PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar denying Steven Berghuis before Tolu Arokodare equalised. Ajax then created opportunities for Julian Brandt, Berghuis and Davy Klaassen, but PSV regained the lead when Geertruida struck in first-half stoppage time.

The closing stages brought controversy when Van Bommel challenged Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman but was not sent off. Klaassen and Ajax debutant Sofyan Amrabat both said they believed the incident warranted a red card. Ajax coach Michel Sanchez was less definitive but said a dismissal would also have been possible and questioned whether Van Bommel had intended to play the ball.

Bouwman was taken for hospital scans after reporting pain in his ribs and difficulty breathing, according to Sanchez. PSV coach Peter Bosz said Van Bommel had turned away to avoid a head-on collision and had not acted deliberately. Bosz added that the player was subdued during the post-match celebrations because of the condition in which Bouwman left the pitch.