By Jan-Kees Joosse (19/9/25)
Above: FC Twente celebrate reaching the UWCL league phase. Photo: FCTwenteVrouwen on X.
Dutch women’s football has enjoyed a dream week on the European stage. PSV, Ajax, and FC Twente all delivered strong results, keeping their continental ambitions alive.
PSV stun with sensational comeback
PSV seemed to be out of the Europa League play-offs after a 3-0 defeat in Norway against Rosenborg. But in Eindhoven, the team turned the tie around with a stunning 4-0 victory — a result few had expected after some lackluster performances in recent weeks. This time, all their potential shone through, and the leaders stepped up.
Chimera Ripa opened the scoring early with a sharp cut-in finish, Renate Jansen doubled the lead after a fine assist from young talent Chibani, Nina Nijstad powered in the third from a well-worked corner variation, and Xhemaili sealed the deal after the best flowing attack PSV have shown all season. Thanks to this historic comeback, PSV will compete in the Europa League this season — a massive confidence boost.
With Aniek Nouwen and Fenna Kalma still recovering from injury, PSV’s European future suddenly looks brighter than expected. The Eindhoven side will face FC Minsk in the play-offs.
Ajax dominate Sturm Graz and prove consistency
Ajax also impressed on the European stage, defeating Sturm Graz twice by 2-0 to comfortably advance to the second round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
Striker Danique Tolhoek, just 19 years old, continues to show remarkable movement and work rate, always finding the right positions to score. On the wing, Bo van Egmond punished defensive errors and seems ready to step into the role left behind by Lotte Keukelaar, who recently signed for Real Madrid.
With Yohannes moving to Lyon, Keukelaar to Real Madrid, Kardinaal to London City Lionesses, and Van Gool to Everton, Ajax’s conveyor belt of talent once again proves how much potential the club holds. But these transfers also raise the question: how will Ajax build a recognizable and reliable squad after so many ins and outs?
From the starting XI that played the Champions League quarter-final just 18 months ago, only goalkeeper Regina van Eijk and captain Sherida Spitse still wear the Ajax shirt.
This turnover opens the door for a new generation of exciting teenagers, such as Ranneke Derks, to make their mark. Ajax will head back to the Alps to face GC Frauen in the final play-off round before the knockout stage begins.
FC Twente storm into the UWCL league phase
FC Twente, led by Jill Roord, have booked their place in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with an emphatic 8-1 aggregate win over GKS Katowice. After a 4-0 victory in Poland, the Dutch champions finished the job at home with a commanding 4-1 win in Enschede.
Roord once again proved why she is the heartbeat of this team, scoring twice in the first half and setting the tone for Twente’s dominance. Danique van Ginkel added another with a precise strike, before Sophie te Brake capped the night in stoppage time with a spectacular long-range effort.
A quieter evening for the Eredivisie’s 2024-25 top scorer Jaimy Ravensbergen in terms of goals, however the 24-year-old showed again why Netherlands fans want her to be given a chance in the national team. Pressing high and with agression, Ravensbergen pulled the Katowice defense out of position, allowing Roord and van Ginkel the space to move. For more about Ravensbergen, the striker has been profiled here.
With their qualification, Twente looks even more dangerous than last season. The squad has remained largely intact, added valuable experience from their previous group-stage campaign, and now enters the league phase with greater maturity and cohesion. Facing Europe’s elite later this year, Twente will be eager to prove it belongs among the continent’s very best.
In the group stage, Twente will host Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid, while traveling to face Arsenal, OH Leuven, and Benfica.
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