PSV Eindhoven claimed a narrow victory over Excelsior at the Van Donge el De Ro Stadion on Saturday evening. The Eredivisie second-round fixture ended 2-1 to the visitors after a match decided by fine margins. PSV took the lead early through R. van Bommel before Excelsior fought back with two second-half strikes, only for Pepi to restore the visitors' advantage.
Van Bommel gave PSV the advantage in the fifth minute, a goal that set the tone for the opening quarter. Excelsior responded through C. Widell in the 54th minute, catching the hosts on the break. Pepi then finished off the comeback in the 56th minute, slotting home to put PSV ahead once more. The home side pushed for an equaliser but could not find the net.
PSV dominated possession with 59 per cent and created four big chances compared to Excelsior's single opportunity. The visitors registered eight shots on target against two for the hosts, while Excelsior's goalkeeper made seven saves to keep things close. PSV's expected goals figure of 2.24 reflected their superiority, though the margin of victory said little about the quality of chances created. Excelsior's shot accuracy of 40 per cent meant they made the most of limited opportunities.
Both sides made multiple substitutions, with PSV bringing on Perisic and Van Wanner among others. Excelsior saw Garden and Hartjes introduced as they searched for a way back into the game. Jan Plug received a yellow card in the 88th minute, one of only two bookings in a match that remained competitive throughout. The visitors saw off any late pressure to hold on for the win.
The result moves PSV to second place with 13 points from five matches, while Excelsior remain fifth on nine points from four games. The visitors extended their unbeaten run to five matches, though they had drawn with Fortuna Sittard in their previous outing. Excelsior's impressive start to the season continues despite this setback.