PSV Eindhoven secured their position at the top of the Eredivisie standings with a 1-0 victory over Excelsior at the Philips Stadion on Wednesday.
Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven had the opportunity to put pressure on second-placed Ajax when they welcomed Excelsior to the Philips Stadion on Wednesday.
With Ajax not in action until later on Wednesday, PSV aimed to increase their lead at the top to 10 points.
The hosts had won their last five Eredivisie matches and looked on course to record a sixth as Hirving Lozano slotted them in front after 17 minutes. Luuk de Jong excellently played in Lozano, and the Mexican confidently registered his 13th goal of the campaign.
PSV remained on top against a side they narrowly beat 2-1 in the earlier fixture last November, but they once again found it difficult to convert their dominance into goals.
Excelsior's Jurgen Mattheij brilliantly headed clear Steven Bergwijn's goal-bound header off his own line in the 34th minute. Visiting goalkeeper Theo Zwarthoed needed to be alert to deny de Jong from close range just four minutes later.
PSV remained in control in the second-half, but de Jong again proved wasteful as he guided his header safely into the arms of Zwarthoed 19 minutes from full-time.
Lozano also struggled to add to his tally, and failed to connect with Joshua Brenet's left-wing cross late on.
The table-toppers were almost made to rue that lack of profligacy, as Excelsior's Levi Garcia was brought down just outside the PSV penalty area on the stroke of full-time. But no free-kick was given - much to the frustration of the visiting team - as PSV held on to record a 1-0 win.
Philip Cocu's side are top on 58 points after 22 games, while Excelsior sit in mid-table with 25 points.
