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THE HAGUE, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Dutch league leaders Feyenoord beat PSV 2-1 after a decision by goal-line technology in Rotterdam on Sunday to oust the reigning champions from Eindhoven from the title race.
Feyenoord defender Jan-Arie van der Heijden headed in at the 82nd minute, but his attempt was stopped on the goal-line by PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet. Referee Bas Nijhuis consulted his watch, which is connected to technology on the sideline, and indicated that it was no goal. However, a few seconds later his watch indicated a goal.
The images confirmed (as did Nijhuis himself after the match) that Zoet had made an own goal. While grabbing the ball from the line to continue the game he had taken the ball over his own goal line. "I am glad we have goal-line technology," Nijhuis remarked. "Otherwise I would never have seen and counted the goal."
Feyenoord had a good start in their De Kuip stadium, with midfielder Jens Toornstra scoring in the 9th minute off a pass from Terence Kongolo. In the second half, Feyenoord remained the stronger side, but PSV managed to equalize through Gaston Pereiro. After Feyenoord lost the ball, Davy Propper found Pereiro and the Uruguayan forward curled the ball into the net via the post.
The home team could have gone ahead again with Steven Berghuis hitting the post, but Steven Bergwijn wasted an opportunity on behalf of PSV at the other side. Finally, the match was decided from an own goal by Zoet, through the use of goal-line technology.
With Feyenoord winning, Ajax needed a win against Heracles Almelo to continue their chase of the league leaders. The Amsterdam-based giants did just that later on Sunday with a 4-1 win in Amsterdam. Kasper Dolberg opened the scoring, Samuel Armenteros equalized and in the second half Matthijs de Ligt, who came in for injured Nick Viergever, Davinson Sanchez and Bertrand Traore handed Ajax the victory.
With ten match rounds remaining, Feyenoord now lead the Eredivisie with 63 points, followed by Ajax with 58 points. PSV look to be out of contention for the title with 52 points.
