For the first time in 2018, FC Utrecht tasted the bitter taste of a loss. Trainer/coach Jean-Paul de Jong’s team were beaten by PSV in the Philips Stadium. The result in Eindhoven was 3-0.

In the dressing room during half time, FC Utrecht were drinking their tea with the feeling they could have scored twice. Should have maybe. But they know: they did not, and PSV did, so they led 2-0. But still, with a strong second half and some good opportunities they could create a stunt. However, to do so, the ball had to go into the goal, which was what they were not able to do in the first half.

Bergwijn finishes
The hope Utrecht might have had for the second half was crushed by the Eindhoven team within five minutes. Steven Bergwijn crossed the Utrecht half of the pitch with a dribble and shot from nearby: 3-0. With that goal it went from ‘getting a tough job done’ to ‘we need a football miracle’. And in the Philips Stadium, against the leader of the Eredivisie, that was a hell of a job.

Good opportunities
It should not have been like that. FC Utrecht started the game smashing and created very good chances in the opening phase. Jeroen Zoet prevented Sander van de Streek from scoring with a super save. A few moments later Mark van der Maarel hit the post. But PSV did score in their first attack. Of all people Bart Ramselaar, who started his career with FC Utrecht, took a shot that, via Ramon Leeuwin’s leg, went into the goal behind David Jensen: 1-0.

Beautiful goal
A beauty by Luuk de Jong five minutes later put the 2-0 on the scoreboard, at a moment when FC Utrecht had barely recovered from that first lucky goal. With a wonderful bicycle kick the striker beat David Jensen and PSV could celebrate. Against all statistics, PSV one shot on target (because their first goal was an own goal), FC Utrecht two. However, the score? 2-0.

Eight in a row, four in a row
FC Utrecht played a very good first half against Eindhoven, but forgot to reward themselves. Therefore the series of eight unbeaten games and four winning games were was ended.

On to Vitesse at home
The next game for FC Utrecht is a home game against Vitesse. The Arnhem team visit Stadium Galgenwaard on Sunday 11 March. Tickets for this game are already for sale.

PSV - FC Utrecht 3-0 (2-0)
16. Ramon Leeuwin (own goal) 1-0
22. Luuk de Jong 2-0
51. Steven Bergwijn 3-0

Yellow cards: Gaston Pereiro, Jorrit Hendrix (PSV) and Mateusz Klich (FC Utrecht).

Attendance: 33,800.

Referee: Kevin Blom.

Line-up PSV:
Jeroen Zoet; Santiago Arias, Daniel Schwaab, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, Joshua Brenet; Marco van Ginkel (89. Pablo Rosario), Jorrit Hendrix (78. Derrick Luckassen), Bart Ramselaar; Steven Bergwijn, Luuk de Jong, Gaston Pereiro (81. Mauro Junior).

Line-up FC Utrecht:
David Jensen; Sean Klaiber, Ramon Leeuwin, Willem Janssen, Mark van der Maarel; Rico Strieder (81. Anouar Kali), Mateusz Klich, Urby Emanuelson (73. Lukas Görtler), Yassin Ayoub; Sander van de Streek, Gyrano Kerk (70. Cyriel Dessers).