Overview

• Ajax lost 0-2 to AZ at the Johan Cruijff Arena, ending their unbeaten Eredivisie start and allowing AZ to move above them in the table at 16 points for Ajax after nine matches.
• John Heitinga said several players did not reach the required level, days after technical director Alex Kroes voiced public support for the coach.
• The Ajax match featured a brief stadium blackout, a light show and supporter fireworks that produced visible flames before on‑field frustrations grew.
• Sparta beat FC Groningen 2-0 through a Tobias Lauritsen header and a late Patrick van Aanholt free-kick, rising to 10th as Groningen failed to register a shot on target and stayed fifth instead of overtaking Ajax.
• Excelsior defeated Fortuna Sittard 1-0 thanks to a Gyan De Regt overhead kick to climb to 13th, while in the Tweede/Derde Divisie Spakenburg won 2-1 at Kozakken Boys via an Ahmed el Azzouti brace and Hercules ended a skid by beating Genemuiden 2-0.