Key Takeaways:
- AZ registered a commanding 4-0 victory over PSV on Sunday to secure their second Johan Cruyff Shield title
- Joey Veerman received a red card in the first half following a high challenge on Mexx Meerdink
- PSV will begin their Eredivisie season against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday, August 8th, while AZ will face ADO Den Haag on the same evening
Match Summary and Tactical Setups
AZ, winners of the KNVB Beker, delivered a dominant performance against Eredivisie champions PSV in Sunday’s annual season curtain-raiser, cruising to a 4-0 win and claiming the Johan Cruyff Shield for only the second time in the club’s history.
Peter Bosz, PSV’s manager, made several unexpected selections in his starting eleven. Midfielder Noah Fernandez was deployed at left-back, and Dutch-Moroccan Amir Bouhamdi made his professional debut on the left wing. Sven Mijnans, making his official PSV debut, lined up against his previous club AZ, whom he captained to KNVB Beker glory in the 2025/26 season.
In goal for AZ was new signing Jari De Busser, recently acquired from Go Ahead Eagles, outpacing Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro for the starting role during pre-season. Manager Leeroy Echteld fielded a five-man defence, anchored by Wouter Goes, Billy van Duijl, and Lewis Schouten.
🏆💥 DE SCHAAL IS VAN ONS! #AZAlkmaar #psvaz #JCS #TheFutureIsOurs pic.twitter.com/oFcKdAU0M9
— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) August 2, 2026
Key Moments and First-Half Drama
The match took a significant turn when PSV star Joey Veerman was dismissed for a studs-up tackle on Mexx Meerdink that contacted Meerdink’s jaw. Referee Serdar Gozubuyuk, after a protracted VAR review by Pol van Boekel, issued a straight red card.
AZ’ Mexx Meerdink then broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, heading home from close range after a deflected cross from Mexico international Mateo Chavez.
PSV struggled to respond effectively, creating few chances. Jari De Busser was only truly tested twice, producing important stops to ensure AZ’ clean sheet remained intact before the interval.
AZ’ Rapid Counters Seal the Victory
Five minutes after the restart, AZ doubled their advantage with a swift counterattack. Weslley Patati capitalised on swift interplay before curling his effort into Matej Kovar’s far corner.
Elijah Dijkstra extended the lead, finishing off yet another rapid break with his first goal for the club, deepening PSV’s woes.
The contest was effectively settled when PSV defender Yarek Gasiorowski tripped Calvin Stengs and conceded a penalty. Ro-Zangelo Daal stepped forward to calmly convert into Kovar’s left corner, putting AZ four goals up with over 20 minutes remaining.
Final Stages and Upcoming Fixtures
AZ continued to fashion opportunities but were unable to add further to their tally. PSV appeared to have netted a late consolation through Gasiorowski in the 80th minute, only for Ivan Perisic to be deemed offside and the goal disallowed.
PSV, who have previously lifted the Johan Cruyff Schaal on 15 occasions, were unable to mount a response as AZ collected their second title in this competition, their first since 2013.
Attention now turns to the Eredivisie kick-off, with PSV travelling to Fortuna Sittard on Saturday, August 8th, while AZ host newly promoted ADO Den Haag that same evening.
