THE HAGUE, May 15 (Xinhua) -- PSV Eindhoven moved to the top of the Eredivisie on Wednesday night with a 4-1 win over Heracles Almelo, while Ajax conceded a dramatic last-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw at FC Groningen.
Ajax entered the 33rd and penultimate round of the Dutch top flight one point ahead of PSV, despite a 3-0 home defeat to NEC in the previous round last Sunday.
In Groningen, Ajax took the lead through Anton Gaaei in the 27th minute. Meanwhile in Eindhoven, PSV surged to a 4-0 advantage over Heracles at halftime, with braces from Ismael Saibari and Malik Tillman. At the break, Ajax still held a one-point edge in the virtual standings.
However, a 52nd-minute volley from Thom van Bergen brought FC Groningen level, drawing cheers in both Groningen and Eindhoven as the result temporarily handed PSV the top spot on goal difference.
Ajax regained the lead in the 68th minute through substitute Wout Weghorst, and held that advantage deep into stoppage time. PSV, meanwhile, conceded once to Heracles but still comfortably led 4-1.
Just as Ajax appeared set to secure all three points, FC Groningen were awarded a free kick in the 99th minute following a red card to Luciano Valente. Mats Seuntjens delivered the set piece, and Thijmen Blokzijl capitalized on a misjudgment by goalkeeper Remko Pasveer to level the match at 2-2.
The result sparked disappointment in Amsterdam and celebrations in Eindhoven.
PSV, who had led Ajax by nine points in December, found themselves nine points behind by late March. Now, with one match remaining, they sit one point ahead. PSV will visit Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, while Ajax host FC Twente in the title-deciding final round. ■
