One round to go: Everything still at stake in the Dutch Eredivisie

Updated
Ajax are in a bad spot after losing 2-1 to FC Utrecht
Ajax are in a bad spot after losing 2-1 to FC UtrechtANP / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

With just one round remaining in the 2025-26 season, it's time for the grand finale. Who will stay in the Eredivisie, and who will qualify for the UEFA Champions League? Flashscore explains still at stake in the final round of the Dutch Eredivisie.

Two European tickets

With PSV having already wrapped up the Dutch title, Feyenoord guaranteed a spot in the UEFA Champions League, and AZ set to play in the UEFA Europa League, it's come down to whoever finishes third.

After a bonkers 9-game slate on Sunday, FC Twente are now in third place with 58 points, leading NEC Nijmegen (56) and Ajax (55) after leapfrogging both teams with their 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam.

FC Twente, NEC, and Ajax are in a three-way fight for third place
FC Twente, NEC, and Ajax are in a three-way fight for third placeFlashscore

The third-placed team enters the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Finishing in fourth puts a team in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, while the fifth-placed team will play in the play-offs for UEFA Conference League football.

NEC and Ajax need FC Twente to lose to PSV on Sunday to have a chance at finishing third, while needing to win themselves to compete in the first place. NEC will host Go Ahead Eagles, while Ajax visit seventh-placed Heerenveen in round 34.

The three teams are as good as tied on goal difference, with FC Twente (+23) and NEC (+23) marginally ahead of Ajax (+21). If teams finish on the same points total and with identical goal differences, the total of goals scored will be the deciding factor. NEC lead far and away with 75 goals, with Ajax (62) and FC Twente (58) miles behind. 

The last play-off ticket

Behind the European qualification spots, the teams finishing 5th through 8th play in the play-offs for a ticket to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. But with AZ already in the UEFA Europa League, the final play-off spot will go to the ninth-placed team.

With one round to go, Ajax, Heerenveen, FC Utrecht, and FC Groningen are virtually in the play-offs. Ajax lead with 55 points, while Heerenveen (50 points) and FC Utrech (50 points) t have already locked in their play-off berths. FC Groningen (45 points) aren't guaranteed to feature just yet, with Sparta Rotterdam (43 points) on the hunt.

Both teams have lower-placed teams on their schedules: FC Groningen play relegated Heracles Almelo, while Sparta Rotterdam play 14th-placed Excelsior.

FC Groningen and Sparta are fighting for the last play-off ticket
FC Groningen and Sparta are fighting for the last play-off ticketFlashscore

Survival

At the bottom of the league, Heracles Almelo were officially relegated after losing 2-0 to FC Volendam on April 26th. NAC Breda (25 points) joined them last weekend, even though their game against Heerenveen was suspended following unrest in the stands.

The 16th-placed Eredivisie team will feature in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie's promotion/relegation play-offs, where they'll meet a Keuken Kampioen Divisie team in the two-legged final.

FC Volendam and Telstar are set to meet in a direct clash this weekend, as Telstar are in the lead with 34 points following their 3-0 win over Heracles Almelo. FC Volendam are on 32 points after their 1-1 draw against Excelsior.

FC Volendam and Telstar are going head-to-head for survival
FC Volendam and Telstar are going head-to-head for survivalFlashscore

Excelsior (35 points) are guaranteed to play Eredivisie football next season, with it being impossible for both Telstar and FC Volendam to overtake the Rotterdam outfit.

The final round of the Eredivisie will be played on Sunday, May 17th. All games will be played simultaneously, with all nine kick-offs scheduled at 14.30 CET.

Follow the last round of the Eredivisie LIVE on Flashscore

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