Thursday 3 August 2017 21:44, UK
Jurgen Locadia did Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord a huge favour by firing PSV Eindhoven to a 1-0 victory over the Rotterdammers' title rivals Ajax.
The derby between PSV and Ajax - better known as 'De Topper' - usually helps decide which of the two Dutch giants will take possession of a championship they have won 56 times between them.
But this year Feyenoord are out in front and chasing down their first title since 1999. While third-placed PSV cannot hope to catch them, they are determined to stop old foes Ajax doing so.
To that end the Rood-witten started with conviction at the Philips Stadion and they steadily took control as the first half wore on, winning a free-kick shortly before the 25th minute.
Emmen-born left winger Locadia was picked to take the set-piece and he gleefully swung the ball over the wall and in at the near post.
Justin Kluivert came closest to equalising for Ajax as the capital-city club pushed hard after the break, but the son of former Holland striker Patrick could not convert Hakim Ziyech's pass on the hour mark.
Ziyech remained a dangerous creative outlet and he teed up David Neres for a gilt-edged opportunity as the final 10 minutes loomed large.
However, the Brazilian forward's shot was blocked by a defender and Ajax's race was run.
The result means Ajax remain four points behind Feyenoord with only two games left.
Peter Bosz's side realistically need wins against both Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II, but there is also the distraction of a two-legged Europa League semi-final against Lyon to contend with.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Feyenoord had earlier thrown down the gauntlet to Ajax by beating Vitesse Arnhem 2-0 at the GelreDome.
Nicolai Jorgensen got the league leaders off to a fine start with an opening goal in the 10th minute.
The Danish striker, who went into the match seeking his 20th league goal of the season, converted Jens Toornstra's missed effort and it was not long before he struck again.
In the 28th minute he connected with Toornstra's cross to net, even though Steven Berghuis thought he might have had the final touch.
Vitesse, who look good for a European spot, could not muster an equaliser after the break.
Elsewhere, ADO Den Haag pulled seven points clear of the relegation play-off position thanks to Abdenasser El Khayati's goal in a 1-0 victory at Sparta Rotterdam.
