It’s De Topper this weekend in the Netherlands which sees Ajax of Amsterdam take on PSV Eindhoven. Although over in the Netherlands this doesn't make the headlines as much as the De Klassieker between Ajax and Feyenoord, in the past few years, this rivalry has increased greatly in intensity.
Here’s everything to know about this derby.
History of the Derby
The first game between these two was played back in 1928 in a friendly where a thrilling 4-4 game was played out. In fact, the first 30 years of this matchup were incredibly high-scoring fixtures, such as the 10-2 win for Ajax in the second game between the two in 1930 and the 4-2 and 5-2 wins for Ajax a year later.
The Amsterdam side dominated the first years of this fixture, so much so that it took seven years and eight games for PSV to register their first victory against Ajax. This then followed three wins in a row between 1935-1936, before more Ajax domination for decades after.
With Ajax having more to shout about for many decades, PSV finally had some momentum in the 1970s with them winning 8 of the 22 fixtures.
Still, despite the many wins, Ajax still managed to also win nine of them that decade, and it wasn’t until the 1990s where they could finally boast of a better record with them winning 12 from 24 games, compared to Ajax’s 10 that decade.
Last Season
As both sides tend to compete for the KNVB Cup most years too and often play out the Johan Cruyff Shield like they are this weekend, they sometimes meet more than the initially scheduled two league games.
Last time out, they met in the KNVB Cup final, which is how PSV booked their place in this weekend's Johan Cruyff Shield.
Ajax led the game early on through Ryan Gravenberch, before two goals in two minutes in the second half gave PSV the win.
Back in the Eredivisie, however, just like Ajax did to everybody last campaign, they dominated PSV in the first game 5-0, before edging past them in a 2-1 victory at the Philips Stadion.
Head-to-Head
Heading into what will be the 180th meeting since 1928, Ajax will be in search of win number 82 over PSV, with the Eindhoven side aiming for win number 67 for them.
Ajax also boast of more Eredivisie titles than anyone else in the Netherlands with 36, as PSV have only 24. On the other hand, no side has won more Johan Cruyff Shields than PSV's 12, as Ajax have only nine.
The Amsterdam outfit also boast of 20 KNVB Cups compared to Eindhoven’s 10.
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