FC Twente suffered a setback in their quest for a first Eredivisie
title since 1926 as they lost 1-0 to reigning champions AZ Alkmaar.
An own goal by Peter Wisgerhof in the eighth minute proved
the difference between the sides and extended AZ's unbeaten run to
12 games.
The result means Ajax could close to within one point of
Twente if they beat Willem II on Wednesday night.
AZ moved up into an automatic Europa League qualification
slot, although Feyenoord can go back above them if they beat
Rotterdam rivals Sparta.
RKC Waalwijk's relegation was confirmed after a 4-1 defeat at
Heracles Almelo.
Antoine van der Linden put the hosts ahead after 15 minutes
and Everton doubled their advantage three minutes after the
interval.
Fouad Idabdelhay gave RKC a glimmer of hope by halving the
deficit just before the hour but that was soon snuffed out when Bas
Dost restored Heracles' two-goal cushion six minutes later and then
Everton completed the rout with his second goal of the evening 13
minutes from time.
Ruud Brood's side headed to Almelo bottom of the standings
and eight points behind 17th-placed Willem II, needing to win all
three of their remaining games to have any chance of catching the
Tilburg team and securing a relegation play-off place.
NAC Breda remain just outside the Europa League play-off
places after a 1-1 draw against Vitesse in Arnhem.
Edwin de Graaf rescued a point for NAC with a minute to go
after Santi Kolk had put the hosts ahead on the half-hour.
