Fortuna loses against national champions after the break
On Sunday afternoon, Fortuna was able to keep up with PSV, the leader of the Eredivisie, for a long time. After a 1-1 halftime score, the Eindhoven team still took control of the match in the second half. Fortuna's goal was scored by Ezequiel Bullaude.
Fortuna started the match against PSV without Rodrigo Guth, who was suspended for one match after his red card against Ajax. Mitchell Dijks and Kristoffer Peterson were also missing, both due to injury. PSV immediately took the initiative in the Fortuna Sittard Stadium, which was packed with more than 11,000 spectators. However, the team from Eindhoven played at a low pace, which meant that Fortuna did not really get into trouble.
After sixteen minutes of play the guests took the lead. After a corner kick from Joey Veerman, the ball caromed at the feet of Malik Tillman. With a hard swipe, this goalkeeper left Mattijs Branderhorst without a chance. Fortuna tried to create opportunities via the counter. Ivo Pinto served Makan Aïko in depth, the Fortuna striker went to the ground after a duel with Ryan Flamingo. Referee Lindhout did not see a penalty in the mutual match and allowed play to continue. After more than half an hour of play, the equalizer became a fact. A corner from Alen Halilovic landed on the head of Bullaude, against his effort Walter Benitez had no chance: 1-1. PSV was then dangerous one more time in the first half, Mauro Junior shot Branderhorst from close range.
After the break, PSV increased the pressure on Fortuna, and the home club's defense was able to hold its ground for a long time. After 67 minutes, Malik Tillman was allowed to shoot for a free kick from 18 meters, Branderhorst had no chance against the American's flawless effort: 1-2. Five minutes later the final decision came, substitute Ismael Saibari made a dribble from the halfway line. He got rid of some opponents, his shot was saved by Branderhorst. Luuk de Jong was accurate in the rebound: 1-3.
Fortuna threatened a few more times after that, including through substitute Ante Erceq. However, PSV's victory was no longer in question. In the final phase, Tristan Schenkhuizen and Hasip Korkmazyürek made their official debut for Fortuna.
Next Saturday, Fortuna will play the away match against Sparta Rotterdam.
Fortuna Sittard: Branderhorst, Pinto, van Ottele, Adewoye, Dahlhaus, Mitrovic (77’ Grujcic), Fosso (89’ Korkmazyüruk), Rosier, Halilovic (89’ Schenkhuizen), Bullaude (77’ Bastien), Aïko (63’ Erceg)