On April 20, 2025, ADO Den Haag secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Jong PSV in a match that showcased both resilience and drama. The game, held at ADO's home ground, saw the home side initially take a commanding lead, only to face a fierce comeback from their opponents. Ultimately, Jari Vlak emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive penalty that kept ADO firmly in the race for direct promotion to the Eredivisie.
From the outset, ADO Den Haag displayed an aggressive approach, looking to capitalize on their home advantage. Just fifteen minutes into the match, captain Alex Schalk made his mark with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar and fortuitously rebounded off the back of Jong PSV goalkeeper Roy Steur, crossing the line to put ADO ahead 1-0. The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing that their team was on track for a crucial win.
The first half continued to favor ADO, who doubled their lead shortly after. A corner kick taken by ADO was poorly defended by Jong PSV, allowing Matteo Waem to pounce on the loose ball and score from close range, extending the lead to 2-0. However, the comfortable cushion began to evaporate as the second half unfolded.
ADO's goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. His questionable decision-making led to Jong PSV's first goal, as he failed to clear a corner effectively. Muhlis Dağaşan capitalized on the mistake, scoring with a header that brought Jong PSV back into the game, making it 2-1. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Jong PSV gained momentum.
Just minutes later, the visitors struck again. Tai Abed unleashed a stunning long-range shot that found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2. The ADO players, who had looked so composed in the first half, suddenly found themselves under immense pressure as Jong PSV continued to press for a winner.
As tensions rose, the match took an unexpected turn when a group of ADO supporters threw cups onto the field, prompting a temporary halt in play. The delay allowed ADO manager Darije Kalezic to regroup his team, who had lost their focus. After the brief interruption, ADO returned to the pitch with renewed determination.
In the closing stages of the match, ADO was awarded a penalty after Lee Bonis was fouled by Emmanuel van de Blaak. The decision sparked controversy, with Jong PSV players expressing their discontent. Van de Blaak himself felt it was a dubious call, stating, "I think it was an easy decision, as they were holding each other. That's the advantage of the home club, I think. I find it a bit cheap."
Despite the protests, Jari Vlak stepped up to take the penalty. With composure, he slotted the ball into the net, restoring ADO's lead at 3-2. Vlak's performance was pivotal, as he not only scored the winning goal but also demonstrated leadership throughout the match.
However, the drama wasn’t over yet. Jong PSV had a golden opportunity to equalize again when Dantaye Gilbert found space in the box, but his shot failed to find the target, leaving ADO to celebrate their hard-fought victory. The win was crucial for ADO, who remain in contention for promotion, sitting third in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie standings.
After the match, ADO's Daryl van Mieghem reflected on the game, calling it "exemplary" for ADO's season. He acknowledged the challenges posed by teams like Jong PSV, especially in the second half. "We know they can play well, and we gave them too much space," he admitted. Meanwhile, ADO supporter Dylan received a special gift from defender Illaijh de Ruijter, who gave him his shirt after the match, highlighting the connection between players and fans.
As the day progressed, ADO's position in the standings took a hit when Excelsior defeated FC Volendam 4-1. This result meant ADO dropped back to third place, trailing Excelsior by two points. With just three matches left in the season, the competition for direct promotion remains fierce.
Looking ahead, ADO Den Haag will face Roda JC in an away match on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The team knows that every point is vital as they aim for a spot in the Eredivisie next season. The pressure is on, and ADO must maintain their focus to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.
In conclusion, ADO Den Haag's victory over Jong PSV was a testament to their fighting spirit, but it also highlighted areas for improvement. The team will need to learn from their mistakes as they continue their pursuit of promotion. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if ADO can build on this momentum in the coming matches.
