A late goal by Ola Toivonen secured all three points for PSV Eindhoven.
“There’s little doubt about it that we were the better team today. AZ have some outstanding forwards, but our defence kept them at bay without too much trouble,” said Rutten on the after match press conference.
“They got only one chance. We created several chances and always remained patient. Ola Toivonen definitely was the hero today.
“However, I’m very pleased to see how everybody reacted after his goal. The players who were warming the bench were also very happy and the team spirit is absolutely superb at the moment.”