Announcement at the start: Van Bommel's son opens PSV's goal-scoring spree cheekily

How easy was that? Ruben van Bommel (center) shot PSV into the lead. IMAGO/Pro Shots

PSV had strung together seven competitive wins at the end of last season, catching the supposedly designated champions from Amsterdam. The recent 2-1 win in the Dutch Supercup against cup winners Deventer was just a taste of what's to come in the league.

On Saturday evening, PSV swept the pitiful Sparta Rotterdam out of the stadium 6-1. Peter Bosz's starting lineup included two professionals who had played in the Bundesliga last season: goalkeeper Kovar (Leverkusen) and striker Plea (Gladbach).

The duo had their moment of celebration in the third minute: Gasiorowski fed van Bommel on the left side of the penalty area, and the 21-year-old cheekily tried a shot with the outside of his foot towards the near post – and actually beat keeper Drommel. Eindhoven dominated their opponents but initially failed to add any further goals.

It wasn't until the 40th minute that Perisic powerfully headed in a Veerman corner to make it 2-0. Seconds before halftime, a double one-two between Plea and Dest was crowned by the US international with the third goal (45+2).

After the break, Perisic got revenge on Veerman, beating Drommel from the second line (50'). With the final half hour approaching, Sparta newcomer Ltaief made it 4-1 (63'). Just a drop in the ocean: Perisic's second assist—and his third scoring point—found Til, who restored the four-goal lead three minutes after coming on (70').

The final point belonged to Gasiorowski, who had come from Valencia and had not scored in 29 La Liga matches for Valencia - and now crowned his Eredivisie debut with a header to make it 6-1 (77') after setting up the 1-0 goal.

stadium	Philips Stadium
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