The PSV Eindhoven imposed logic to win 0-3 against Groningen and achieve their tenth Dutch Super Cup after a final in which they took advantage of their rival's inexperience. This was Groningen's first time fighting for a title, and it was crowned with a spectacular goal by Adam Maher that sealed the match.
In the match, Moroccan-Dutch midfielder Maher crushed Groningen's hopes of winning a trophy they had never previously won. His goal in the fiftieth minute was a blow for Erwin van de Looi's men, who until then had put up a fight against the Eredivisie champions.
Before Maher's long-range shot from outside the box, which ended Groningen's hopes, the Groningen team had at least deserved to go into halftime with a draw. However, their lack of efficiency in front of Jeroen Zoet's goal was decisive in leaving the score at 0-1 at halftime.
Despite some doubts surrounding PSV, who had an irregular preseason with losses against Basel and Monaco, and the absence of last season's stars Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, who were sold to Manchester United and Newcastle for 47 million euros, the team came out on top in this important match.
Manager Philipp Cocu rested Mexican player Andrés Guardado, who had only trained for two days after winning the Gold Cup with the national team, and gave a chance to Davy Pröpper, one of the club's new signings who he hopes will maintain the same level as last year.
Groningen, who had dedicated their entire preseason to preparing for this match, dominated most of the first half. They had the best chances, including a shot that hit the post by Brian Linssen in the 45th minute and a missed opportunity from Congolese player Abel Tamata, who shot directly at Zoet when he had the entire goal to score.
Meanwhile, PSV only needed a header from Luuk De Jong in the 25th minute to open the scoring. It was their only shot on goal in the entire first half, but it was enough to take the lead.
In the second half, Groningen continued to dominate the game from the beginning, but Maher's early goal ended any hope of a comeback.
That sealed the fate of the final, and the third goal, scored by Luuk De Jong, was the logical consequence of a team on the verge of defeat. PSV, with a three-goal advantage, celebrated their tenth title, two more than Ajax, who have eight. On this occasion, David couldn't defeat Goliath.