PSV Eindhoven retained the Eredivisie title after a dramatic final day saw them win 3-1 away to PEC Zwolle as rivals Ajax were held to a surprise 1-1 draw at relegation battlers De Graafschap.
Ajax went into Sunday’s matches top of the table with a superior goal difference and would have been sure of a 34th Dutch championship with victory in Doetinchem over a team in 17th place.
The Amsterdam giants took the lead in the 16th minute through Amin Younes but were pegged back by a fine equaliser from Bryan Smeets 10 minutes into the second half which swung the balance of the title race once again.
Dit gevoel... #graajahttps://t.co/i15d20jhl3
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 8, 2016
PSV were crowned national champions for the 23rd time after a first-half goal from Jurgen Locadia (34) and a brace from captain Luuk de Jong (43 and 67) secured what was in the end a comfortable victory.
Zwolle midfielder Ouasim Bouy (66) had briefly put the hosts back in the contest.
Congratulations mates, I'm proud! Enjoy the party tonight👊🏼 #PSV pic.twitter.com/XL6p1ClPpu
— Memphis (@Memphis) May 8, 2016
At the other end of the table Excelsior won 2-0 away at bottom club Cambuur with goals from Tom van Weert in the fourth minute and Kevin Vermeulen (59) to make sure they avoided dropping into the relegation play-offs.
Willem II, though, will still face a battle to retain their top-flight status despite winning 3-2 at Roda, as they finished in 16th place.
AZ Alkmaar finished in fourth after they won 3-1 at Utrecht and so will go direct into the Europa League qualifying rounds next season along with third-placed Feyenoord, who beat NEC Nijmegen 1-0 courtesy of a second-half goal from captain Dirk Kuyt at De Kuip.
Groningen secured eighth spot and a shot at the Europa League qualifying play-offs with a 2-1 home win over Heracles Almelo, as defender Rasmus Lindgren (53 & 64) scored twice in the second half.
Twente drew 2-2 with Vitesse while it finished 1-1 at the Kyocera Stadion between hosts Den Haag and Heerenveen.
