Ajax woe as PSV Eindhoven crowned Dutch champions

PSV Eindhoven held off a fierce challenge from Ajax to win its 26th Eredivisie title on Sunday, edging the Amsterdam side by a single point on the final day of the Dutch season.

PSV defeated Sparta Rotterdam 3-1 away, while Ajax beat FC Twente 2-0 at home. The results left PSV atop the table with 79 points, narrowly ahead of Ajax on 78. Both clubs secured qualification for next season's Champions League.

It capped a rollercoaster campaign in which the momentum swung dramatically between the two rivals. PSV held a nine-point lead over Ajax in December 2024, only for Ajax to flip the deficit and take a nine-point advantage by late March.

But the title race turned again last Wednesday, when PSV reclaimed top spot with a 4-1 win over Heracles Almelo, while Ajax conceded a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw at FC Groningen.

Heading into Sunday's decisive final round, PSV needed a win to guarantee the title. Ajax took an early lead at home through a header from captain Jordan Henderson, but Ivan Perisic quickly put PSV ahead in Rotterdam to keep his side in front on goal difference at halftime.

Drama unfolded in the second half when Gjivai Zechiel equalized for Sparta, giving Ajax a brief six-minute window as virtual champions. But PSV's response was swift, with Luuk de Jong restoring the lead to reclaim control of the title race.

The outcome remained in doubt until the closing stages, but Malik Tillman's goal in the 82nd minute sealed victory for PSV and confirmed the championship. A late goal by Ajax forward Wout Weghorst came too late to change the outcome, as emotions ran high in Amsterdam following the narrow title miss.