Feyenoord win to cut gap on PSV after Berghuis hat-trick

Steven Berghuis netted twice in the first half, but Feyenoord’s lead was completely against the run of play. PSV dominated possession and territory, but were unable to really trouble home keeper Kenneth Vermeer, who was back in the starting line-up after an injury layoff.

Great header
Berghuis was more incisive at the other end. The Feyenoord captain found it hard to put his stamp on the game in the early stages, but that changed on 19 minutes. Berghuis managed to sneak in front of defender Olivier Boscagli to get his head on Luis Sinisterra’s cross to score.

In spite of PSV’s unrelenting pressure, Feyenoord started to play with more freedom after the goal. The hosts even managed to double their lead and Sinisterra was at the root of things again. On 34 minutes the Colombian beat Denzel Dumfries close to the by-line in the box, with the defender having to resort to a foul to try to stop his opponent. Referee Bas Nijhuis pointed to the spot and Berghuis stepped up to convert and make it 2-0.

A half-hour later, with the match still finely balanced, Berghuis earned another penalty for his team, as defender Nick Viergever got a hand on his shot. Lars Unnerstall didn’t stand a chance as Berghuis converted the spot kick to grab his third goal of the afternoon.

Vermeer outstanding
Three-down, PSV were forced to go hell for leather, but, back in the Feyenoord goal, Vermeer performed outstandingly. He didn’t quite manage to keep a clean sheet on his return, however. Substitute Gaston Pereiro pulled a goal back for the visitors with a chip on 84 minutes, but it failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the home crowd as they celebrated a Feyenoord win.

Next up for Feyenoord is a KNVB Cup tie at the second-tier league-leaders SC Cambuur. FC Utrecht are the next opponents in the Eredivisie, with the sides meeting at Galgenwaard Stadium next Sunday, kick-off 14:30 CET, in the final match before the winter break.