The 2001-02 campaign was a season of high-octane attack and near-misses for PSV as The Boeren finished a competitive 2nd in the Eredivisie, securing a coveted Champions League spot. The formidable strike partnership of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who netted 22 league goals, and Mateja Kežman, who added 15, was the driving force behind a squad that scored a league-high 77 goals. Under manager Eric Gerets, the team celebrated a domestic trophy by winning the Johan Cruyff Shield and also enjoyed a deep run to the UEFA Cup Quarter-finals, ultimately falling to local rivals Feyenoord. It was a golden year for the team's attack, which also featured the league's assist leader, Dennis Rommedahl, and solidified PSV's reputation as a Dutch powerhouse.