Ajax versus PSV, the De Topper, have had a long-standing rivalry in the Netherlands.
Before this weekend, Ajax had won 22 head-to-head matches while PSV Eindhoven had won 21, with 12 ending in draws.
Both clubs averaged 3.15 goals per match.
PSV has won three of their past five encounters, while Ajax has won two.
This fixture has always made for an exciting quest, making it the biggest game in Eredivisie.
In this tactical analysis, we dive into the tactics of both teams and see how PSV outsmarted Ajax.
We’ll also cover a little about the coaches who went head-to-head in this fixture, which could tie up the whole picture.
Lineups
Both coaches could not afford to choose the starting eleven carelessly.
Pasveer (GK), who has had a promising start to his ageing career, was placed between the sticks in Alfred Schreuders hybrid 4-1-4-1 formation.
With Sánchez (RB) and Rensch (LB) manning the full-back positions with Wijndal injured, Timber (RCB) and Bassey (LCB) form the central defence.
The midfield was made up of five players: Álvarez (CDM), the reliable one in the middle, Berghuis (LCM), Kudus (RCM), Tadić (LW) captaining the team, and Bergwijn (RW) on the flanks.
After proving his value as a team regular regularly, Brobbey (CF) was awarded the starting position.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy used his preferred 4-2-3-1 system with a few minor adjustments from the previous game.
Benitez (GK) started between the posts, along with Mwene (RB) and Max (LB) as fullbacks and Ramalho (RCB) and Obispo (LCB) as the central defenders.
Sangaré (
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