Soccer-Talking points from European soccer

Talking points from the weekend in European soccer leagues: PSV CAN FOCUS ON MAJOR GOAL AFTER NEW RECORD ELUDES THEM

PSV Eindhoven had their eyes on a new Dutch Eredivisie record on Sunday when they travelled to struggling Utrecht and were expected to record an 18th consecutive league win of the campaign to beat their own top mark set in 1987-88. This was especially so after they took the lead in the first half through Johan Bakayoko, but a goal early in the second period from Othmane Boussaid meant they had to settle for a surprise 1-1 draw.

It ended the prospect of a new record, but will perhaps take some pressure off the players after all the conversation in the last few weeks was about whether they could make it 18 in a row. They lead the Eredivisie by 10 points from second-placed Feyenoord and are odds-on to regain the title they last won in the 2017-18 season. There will be a tinge of regret, but their main goal remains very much in sight.

GERMANY DORTMUND TRANSFERS

Borussia Dortmund are hoping they have made the right moves in the winter transfer window to work their way back into Champions League contention in the Bundesliga. Following a topsy turvy first half of the season, Dortmund have now won their first two league games of the year, having brought back Jadon Sancho in a loan deal from Manchester United and then signing 21-year-old Ian Maatsen on another loan from Chelsea.

Sancho has added punch to their game while Maatsen's speed has earned him an instant starting spot since his arrival. The moves so far have paid off with both players helping set up goals in their 4-0 win over Cologne on Saturday that moved them up to 33 points, level with fourth-placed RB Leipzig.

SPAIN GIRONA KEEP DREAMING

Girona's incredible campaign continued as they overcame an early deficit to thrash Sevilla 5-1 on Sunday, largely thanks to Artem Dovbyk's hat-trick, to move back into top spot in LaLiga. The Catalan side, who finished 10th last season on their return to the top flight, have set a new club record for points in a LaLiga season with 52, having begun the campaign aiming to avoid relegation.

Michel Sanchez's side dream of upsetting the odds and claiming the league title, historically dominated by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Real, who have a game in hand, could retake the lead as they trail Girona by one point, but it has been a more difficult week for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

After being knocked out by city rivals Atletico in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, Real had to dig deep at home to beat lowly Almeria 3-2 in a LaLiga clash marred by VAR controversy.

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