FC Emmen secure a place in the relegation play-offs.Ajax keep putting pressure on PSV

FC Emmen will face second division Keuken Campioen Divisi in a relegation play-off that will decide the fate of next season. This was confirmed after a loss to Feyenoord in the penultimate Eredivisie game week of the season. Meanwhile, Ajax beat FC Utrecht and continued to put pressure on PSV in the battle for second place.

Emmen put the reigning champions ahead in the 14th minute with a goal from former Ajax striker Richairo Zivković. But less than 20 minutes later, when Osama Idrissi equalized with a shot directly into the top corner, the organizers were reminded of the class chasm.

Feyenoord took the lead with 10 minutes remaining as Danilo headed in a Rutscharel Hertruida cross to score his 13th goal of the season. Six minutes later, Alireza Jahanbaksh’s superb backheel put the ball into the box for another goal. Excelsior and FC Volendam have officially escaped relegation and will return to the Eredivisie next season.

Excelsior defeated Fortuna Sittard 3-0 and had already avoided relegation regardless of Emmen’s actions. FC Volendam lost 0-3 to the Go Ahead Eagles.

Ajax beat FC Utrecht at the Johan Cruyff Arena to finish three points behind PSV drew with SC Heerenveen at home. PSV will face AZ Alkmaar in the season finale next week, while Ajax will face FC Twente. The Eindhoven side is three points behind, and Ajax is ahead in goal difference. Both teams are battling for second place, which secures their place in the UEFA Champions League.

Ajax took the lead after 19 minutes with a goal from Steven Bergwijn. Youngsters Jorel Hato and Owen Windal created chances with tenacious build-up play on the wing, before Bergwijn touched and sent the ball into goal from the edge of the area.

Anastasios Duvicas equalized for Utrecht just after half-time. The Greek striker is the top scorer in the Eredivisie this season with 18 goals. The Greek international controlled the ball with his chest before turning around to deny goalkeeper Jeronimo Lulli a chance and kick the ball away with his weak foot.

After a pigeon cross was headed into goal by Mohammed Kudus, Brian Broby tapped in to give Ajax the lead again. Davy Klaassen finished the game with Ajax’s third goal in the third minute of stoppage time.