The Hague: PSV Eindhoven clinched their 23rd Dutch league title on Sunday with a 3-1 defeat of PEC Zwolle after title rivals Ajax were held 1-1 at De Graafschap.
Philipp Cocu's side were crowned Eredivisie champions with 84 points, two clear of Ajax who went into the final day of the season at the top of the table on goal difference.
For PSV, who progressed to the Champions League last 16 where they were knocked out by finalists Atletico Madrid, this was a second successive title.
And it was one that had looked a distant possibility going into the final game with Ajax only needing a win at lowly De Graafschap to claim the honours.
Cocu said: "My philosophy is always to remain positive even if we weren't in the best situation.
"We only had a really slim chance, but a very slim chance is still a chance, isn't it?"
PSV will now figure in next season's Champions League group stages with Ajax's hopes of entering the frey dependent on their navigating the third qualifying round.
AFP
