This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. NEC is the first finalist of the KNVB Cup, having defeated PSV, the two-time Dutch champion, 3-2 in a thrilling match held at Goffertstadion. The home team, fourth in the Eredivisie, took the lead early in the match with a goal from Bryan Linssen in the sixth minute, who capitalized on a rebound during a counterattack to beat Matej Kovar. PSV quickly responded, and after high pressure from Joey Veerman and Paul Wanner, Ismael Saibari (16') equalized with a header following a cross from Ivan Perisic. The turnaround came four minutes later when Dennis Man, with an individual play on the right, entered the box and shot powerfully at the near post, making it 2-1. However, about ten minutes before halftime, NEC equalized again. Eli Dasa (37'), with a curled shot, made it 2-2, a score that the teams took to the locker rooms. In the second half, NEC came out stronger, and after a quick ball recovery, Basar Onal (61') successfully finished, putting the home team back in the lead. The visitors appealed for two penalties, on Tjaronn Chery and Bryan Linssen, but the referee allowed play to continue on both occasions. In response to being behind, PSV coach Peter Bosz brought on Ricardo Pepi, Kiliann Sildillia, and Esmir Bajraktarevic for the final stretch. Pepi came close to scoring, but NEC goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen denied him the equalizer. On the other side, Youssef El Kachati also squandered a clear opportunity. Despite PSV's late pressure, which only produced a dangerous shot from Perisic, the score remained unchanged. With this victory, NEC will return to a Cup final, two years after being defeated by Feyenoord. Meanwhile, PSV's dream of their first double since the 2004/05 season is postponed, although a third consecutive title seems increasingly within reach.
KNVB Cup Bryan Linssen remains central to this story.
KNVB Cup Bryan Linssen remains central to this story.
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