PSV Eindhoven’s first clash of 2023 ended with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sparta Rotterdam in the Philips Stadion.
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Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman was in attendance to oversee a PSV side that had Anwar El Ghazi starting in place of the departed Cody Gakpo. Xavi Simons, Luuk de Jong and Joey Veerman were all in the eleven.
PSV got off to a bright start but eventually, they struggled to find a way past a compact and organised Sparta defence.
There was barely a chance of note in the first-half and halfway through the second, Ruud van Nistelrooy brought off Simons and Veerman for Erick Gutierrez and Guus Til. PSV then showed some momentum going forward.
With ten minutes left, PSV screamed for a penalty when Jordan Teze went down in the box. It was originally not given but referee Sander van der Eijk was told to view the monitor. Despite watching the images he stuck to his original decision.
Noni Madueke came closest to netting before the end but his effort from distance was stopped by Nick Olij.
PSV climbs up to second but the draw will be a disappointing result for the home side. Sparta is in 6th.
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