PSV claimed a statement 3-1 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with Ricardo Pepi, Lutsharel Geertruida and Esmir Bajraktarević on target.

The champions survived a spell of heavy Ajax pressure before producing the decisive moments.

PSV made a major early-season statement on Saturday evening, beating Ajax 3-1 in the Johan Cruijff Arena to take three important points from the first De Topper of the Eredivisie campaign.

Peter Bosz's side made the ideal start when Ricardo Pepi opened the scoring in the fifth minute. A move that began with Armando Obispo and continued through Ivan Perišić ended with Pepi rising to meet the cross and producing a superb header beyond Marc-André ter Stegen.

Ajax responded quickly and began finding spaces in PSV's defensive structure. Steven Berghuis tested Matej Kovář, who stood firm in the one-on-one, before Oscar Gloukh fired over.

The hosts eventually found their equaliser in the 23rd minute. Tolu Arokodare played the ball to Davy Klaassen and received it back amid the scramble inside the area before calmly finishing for 1-1.

The match developed into an open contest, with both sides creating opportunities. Ruben van Bommel came close for PSV after being released by Kodai Sano, while Guus Til also fired over.

Ajax, however, had the better opportunities during a spell before half-time. Kovář denied Klaassen after the midfielder had broken through, while Berghuis missed a huge chance with the goal at his mercy.

Julian Brandt then found himself one-on-one with Kovář after another excellent pass from Berghuis, but his effort was blocked. Berghuis also missed the rebound before Klaassen headed another opportunity over.

PSV survived a period in which Ajax could have taken control, but the visitors regained the lead on the stroke of half-time.

And it was a spectacular moment.

Lutsharel Geertruida collected the ball and produced a brilliant strike that flew unstoppably into the top corner to make it 2-1, with the Ajax goalkeeper ter Stegen rooted at his spot.

The goal capped an impressive first half for the new PSV defender and gave Bosz's side the advantage at the interval despite Ajax's chances.

Bosz introduced Paul Wanner at half-time, hoping the youngster could provide greater composure in possession. Ajax continued to threaten, with Brandt sending an opportunity over in the 51st minute.

Míchel then turned to his bench, introducing Marcos Leonardo and Sofyan Amrabat, the latter making his official Ajax debut. Viktor Tsygankov and Kasper Dolberg followed shortly afterwards.

PSV also made changes, with Esmir Bajraktarević replacing Perišić and Sven Mijnans coming on for Pepi, who had been considerably more active than in the previous match against FC Utrecht.

The visitors had opportunities to put the game beyond Ajax. Sano, who had been one of PSV's most influential players, came close, while Mijnans also found an opening.

Ajax continued to search for an equaliser, but PSV's defensive resistance held. Kovář was not always convincing with his distribution and frequently went long, yet the goalkeeper had already produced three important saves during the contest.

The closing stages became increasingly heated. A hard challenge involving Van Bommel sparked a major confrontation between the players, with several yellow cards handed out.

Van Bommel, Geertruida, Perišić, Klaassen and Youri Baas were among those booked, while Bosz also received a yellow card as tempers flared on the touchline.

With Ajax pushing for another goal, PSV finally delivered the knockout blow in stoppage time.

Bajraktarević found himself unmarked and calmly slotted the ball beyond Ter Stegen to complete the 3-1 victory.

The final whistle confirmed a significant result for PSV. Pepi provided the early breakthrough, Geertruida supplied the spectacular winner-in-waiting before half-time, and Bajraktarević finished the job.

For Bosz, the champions leave Amsterdam with three points, while Ajax are left to reflect on the chances they failed to convert during their strongest periods.