Eredivisie: Ten-man PSV go 12 points clear of Ajax after 2-0 victory over NAC Breda

PSV Eindhoven survived the controversial early dismissal of Jetro Willems to move 12 points clear at the top of the Eredivisie with a hard-fought 2-0 win at NAC Breda.

Memphis Depay and captain Georginio Wijnaldum struck in the second half as PSV came through their latest test of character to extend their lead over Ajax at the top.

The leaders' night at the Rat Verlegh Stadium got off to a dreadful start as Willems, returning after missing the last game with flu, was harshly sent off for a challenge on Gill Swerts.

Willems was rash as he lunged in on Swerts, seconds after being dispossessed by the Breda midfielder, but actually made no contact with his opponent.

The game struggled to gain momentum after that incident and it was not until the 48th minute that Breda's Adnane Tighadouini had the first shot on target for either side.

PSV went ahead in the 53rd minute as Adam Maher seized possession and drove a long cross-field ball into the box. Breda goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar was slow to react at Depay turned in from six yards.

Guyon Fernandez had a chance to level but shot straight at Jeroen Zoet and Wijnaldum made the game safe for PSV after 74 minutes, driving into the box and smashing a shot into the roof of the net.

Depay might have made victory more comfortable but missed from in front of goal after Abel Tamata stretched the home defence and whipped in a dangerous cross.

In the night's other Eredivisie game at De Adelaarshorst, mid-table Go Ahead Eagles and Excelsior played out a goalless draw.

Substitute Marnix Kolder went close to claiming a late winner for Go Ahead Eagles when he headed a corner from Job van der Linden against the post.

Excelsior hit the woodwork themselves in the first half through Tom van Weert, but ultimately nothing could separate the sides.