PSV Eindhoven have won the 2024/25 Eredivisie title in a dramatic turnaround, beating Sparta Rotterdam 3-1 on Sunday to finish ahead of rivals Ajax.
Just a few weeks ago, Ajax were nine points clear at the top with only five games left. But after a shocking collapse, PSV took advantage and lifted their 26th Dutch league trophy in style.
“After the home defeat against Ajax, we had already given up. We were nine points behind,” said PSV captain Luuk de Jong. “I have never experienced this before… We didn’t dare to dream of this anymore. It turns out that hunting is sometimes easier.”
Ajax had looked certain to win the title after a 2-0 victory over PSV in March. But they later dropped points in key matches, including a painful 2-2 draw against Groningen, where they conceded a late equaliser in the ninth minute of extra time.
That result gave PSV the chance they needed — and they didn’t waste it. After that loss to Ajax, they went on to win six matches in a row.
Although PSV had some bad moments earlier in the season, including a 7-1 home loss to Arsenal in the Champions League and defeats to smaller Dutch teams like PEC Zwolle and Heerenveen, they stepped up when it mattered most.
The team scored more than 100 goals this season. Key players like Luuk de Jong, Noa Lang, and Ricardo Pepi were all in top form.
Their 3-1 win on Sunday sealed the title, and fans celebrated wildly at Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel in Rotterdam.
Ajax, on the other hand, must settle for second place and a ticket to next season’s Champions League.
In a message to fans, the Ajax Supporters Association said: “Before this season, many Ajax fans would have bitten your hand off for second place… But with Ajax almost smelling the title, a drop to second place still hurts so much. So near, but so far.”
This win will be especially sweet for PSV, who have now claimed back-to-back Eredivisie titles — the latest coming from what seemed like an impossible position.
