THE HAGUE, Jun. 17 (Xinhua) -- The gap between Dutch league leaders PSV and rivals Ajax decreased to four points after Ajax beat NAC Breda on Sunday and PSV failed to book a win the previous day.
Ajax encountered bottom side NAC Breda with the same line-up as in last Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid (2-1 home loss), with winger Dusan Tadic in a central forward role and both strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Kasper Dolberg on the bench.
It took a while for Ajax to get the first goal and the visitors even had the first best two opportunities. In the 38th minute Tadic put the home-team in front from the penalty spot, after a hand ball by NAC defender Dorian Dervite. In the second half substitute Dolberg doubled the scoring with a delightful backheel chip and through Tadic again, Gervane Kastaneer (own goal) and Hakim Ziyech Ajax cruised to a 5-0 victory.
Reigning champions PSV dropped points for the third time in five matches in 2019. After the 2-2 at FC Emmen, the 2-1 win against FC Groningen, the 5-0 win against Fortuna Sittard and the 2-2 at FC Utrecht PSV drew 2-2 at sc Heerenveen on Saturday night.
Heerenveen came in front through goals by Mitchell van Bergen and Michel Vlap in the first half and in the second part Gaston Pereiro narrowed the margin to one with a free-kick. Far into extra time substitute Donyell Malen saved a point for PSV after beating Heerenveen defender Kik Pierie and finding the net.
PSV still lead the Eredivisie, now with 57 points from 22 matches. Ajax are four points behind on 53 points, meaning the Dutch title race is still wide open. The clash Ajax-PSV is scheduled for March 31.
