PSV secured a friendly victory against Athletic Club on Saturday. The Eindhoven team won 2-1 at the Philips Stadion, partly thanks to a goal from newcomer Alassane Plea. A blemish on the victory was the injury to Ruben van Bommel.
PSV coach Peter Bosz had given starting spots to his new captain Jerdy Schouten and newcomers Van Bommel, Plea, and Yasek Gasiorowski. New signing Matej Kovar was preferred in goal over Nick Olij, who came to PSV from Sparta this summer.
Kovar had an unhappy debut at the Philips Stadion. The Czech did not look good on Athletic’s opening goal. Inaki Williams headed in from a considerable distance, but Kovar couldn’t save it and tipped the ball into his own net.
After 26 minutes, PSV equalized through Plea. The striker, who came from Borussia Mönchengladbach, converted a rebound. Joey Veerman gave PSV the victory after halftime with some luck. His shot was deflected by a Spanish defender, leaving Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon helpless.
Shortly before that goal, Van Bommel was forced off with an injury. The top signing, who came from AZ this summer for around 15 million euros, clutched his back without an opponent nearby and had to abandon the match.
It is unclear whether the battle for the Johan Cruijff Shield against Go Ahead Eagles is at risk for Van Bommel. The match is on the menu next Sunday. PSV concludes the preparation on Wednesday with a friendly match against FC Eindhoven.
