By Jan-Kees Joosse (8/10/25)
Above: Riola Xhemaili with a header. Photo: VrEredivisie on X.
In the fifth round, FC Twente dropped two points in a thrilling draw against FC Utrecht. With a winning Ajax against Excelsior, the two title contenders are level on points and goal difference. PSV and Feyenoord are just one point behind them. The Eredivisie is showing more and more competition, which is a healthy sign for the league.
FC Utrecht show signs of growth against FC Twente
FC Twente 1-1 FC Utrecht
FC Twente dropped their first points of the Eredivisie season after a draw with FC Utrecht, in a match defined by two brilliant goals. Twente now sit on 13 points in the league, level with Ajax. Following their impressive result against Chelsea in the Champions League, the team struggled to maintain the same level of focus and intensity as in previous games. Ironically, Twente ended up resembling Chelsea in that match: they dominated possession, spent plenty of time around the penalty area, but lacked clinical finishing.
FC Utrecht gave Twente a taste of their own medicine by defending with great discipline, using a deeper block and tracking back with their attackers. It wasn’t until after the break that Twente started to ramp up the pressure. Utrecht, who had also played a midweek match against Feyenoord, began to show signs of fatigue.
Jill Roord, with her match fitness and the mental sharpness that comes from playing two games a week, became Twente’s biggest threat. But goalkeeper Bastiaen, Gera op den Kelder, and Marthe Munsterman were excellent defensively and kept the door shut. As a result, Twente were forced to play more long balls than they usually prefer.
One of those long-range efforts turned into something spectacular: Alieke Tuin unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box — a rising strike that dipped perfectly under the crossbar. It looked like Twente were heading for victory. They continued to attack but grew a bit sloppy in possession.
The introduction of 17-year-old Rochelity Dapp once again proved impactful for FC Utrecht. As a striker, she’s known for her ability to hold up the ball and deliver key assists with her back to goal. This time was no different — she kept her composure and set up Nikita Tromp, who may have scored the goal of the season, firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Lemeij.
Twente kept pushing for a winner, but Marthe Munsterman threw herself in front of a shot from her former teammate Jill Roord to preserve the draw. Much like Twente’s own heroic performance against Chelsea, it was Utrecht’s discipline that earned them this result.
This was Twente’s first time dropping points this season, putting them level with Ajax at the top of the table. For Utrecht, after defeats against PSV and Feyenoord, it was a return to the form that made them a dangerous side last season — a team the traditional top three can’t simply brush aside. A moral victory for a team that had twice fallen short against top-ranked opponents.
Ajax draw level with FC Twente in title race
Ajax 3-0 Excelsior Rotterdam
Ajax Women remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie after a solid 3–0 win over Excelsior at De Toekomst. Anouk Bruil’s team had to work hard against a resilient opponent, but ultimately proved too strong. With 13 points from five matches, Ajax now share the top spot with FC Twente, who lead only on goal difference.
Excelsior started well despite Ajax being the clear favorite on paper. Defender Jonna van de Velde marked her 100th Eredivisie appearance but was forced off just before halftime with a bruised eye. By then, Ajax were already ahead thanks to Danique Tolhoek, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to open the scoring after 15 minutes.
In the second half, Ajax’s control grew stronger. Sherida Spitse doubled the lead with a well-timed run and finish after a clever assist from Daliyah de Klonia. The experienced midfielder continues to impress in her renewed midfield role, while Tolhoek and Mirte van Koppen remain consistent threats in front of goal.
Excelsior fought back late, forcing keeper Regina van Eijk into a fine save, while Nayomi Buikema made her long-awaited return from injury. In the closing minutes, Van Koppen sealed the win with a composed strike after a great pass from Danique Noordman to make it 3–0. Ajax stay level with Twente and look well-prepared for their upcoming Eredivisie showdown. FC Leeuwinnen profiled upcoming star Danique Noordman – The Sister of Daniëlle van de Donk .
Feyenoord close in on PSV after convincing win over AZ
AZ Alkmaar 1-4 Feyenoord Rotterdam
Feyenoord have made a strong statement in the Eredivisie Women’s subtop. Jessica Torny’s team secured a 4–1 victory at AZ on Sunday, bringing them to 12 points — just behind PSV on goal difference. Following earlier wins over FC Utrecht and AZ, Feyenoord are proving they are serious contenders for the top positions.
Feyenoord showed growing maturity at the AFAS Stadium. The first half was tough against a well-organized AZ, but just before halftime, Mao Itamura broke the deadlock with a composed header to put her team ahead. Shortly after the restart, AZ leveled from sloppy defending, bringing the tension back into the match.
Torny’s substitution after the hour mark changed the game. Kirsten van de Westeringh needed only one touch to make an impact, intercepting a goal kick and calmly finishing to put Feyenoord back in front at 2–1. Mao Itamura then sealed the win with her second goal, curling a beautiful strike from the edge of the box into the corner.
In stoppage time, Van de Westeringh added her second goal after an AZ goalkeeper error to make it 4–1. With 12 points from six games, Feyenoord are firmly established in the subtop and showing they can challenge the established order. With PSV in their sights and confidence on the rise, Torny’s team looks ready to make a serious push for the top.
Heerenveen secure first win of the season
SC Heerenveen 1-0 HERA United
SC Heerenveen claimed a narrow but deserved 1–0 victory over HERA United on Sunday. In a match with few clear-cut chances, the home side ultimately came out on top thanks to substitute Evi Maatman.
The first half lacked real attacking threat. HERA’s forward Hassani was sidelined with injury before kickoff, limiting their offensive options. Heerenveen were stronger organizationally, while HERA stood out mainly for their individual defensive efforts. Lieke Vis had some chances for HERA but hesitated too long, while Heerenveen saw Elfi Maass hit the post and Eef Kerkhof’s shot saved. Inessa Kaagman also narrowly missed just before halftime.
After the break, the game remained tight, but Heerenveen’s first substitution proved decisive. Sterre Kroeze was replaced by Evi Maatman after an hour. Maatman immediately injected more threat, with Heerenveen creating opportunities through Aymee Altena and Kaagman, though both shots went wide.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Maatman headed in a perfect cross from Maass to make it 1–0. HERA had one final chance through Ana Nassette, but her effort hit the side netting. The win lifts Heerenveen further into the Eredivisie midtable, while HERA United continue to search for goals.
PEC Zwolle inflict another defeat on ADO Den Haag
PEC Zwolle 2-1 ADO Den Haag
PEC Zwolle earned a well-deserved 2–1 victory over ADO Den Haag. Playing at home, goals from Zoë Zuidberg and Christina Weiman secured the three points for the hosts.
PEC started strongly, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Zuidberg. The young forward finished a powerful cross in one touch — a technically impressive goal highlighting her potential as a Netherlands U19 player.
ADO Den Haag responded after the break. Defender Lindner underestimated the pressing of Jill van den Ende completely, losing possession in a dull moment. The 21-year old van den Ende took over the ball and effectively equalized to make it 1–1, briefly unsettling PEC.
PEC showed resilience and continued pressing, eventually seeing Christina Weiman score the decisive goal. Her composed finish secured the win, demonstrating that Zwolle have regained form and are now firmly competing in the midtable alongside FC Utrecht and AZ.
For ADO, there are worrying signs. They struggled in the early half of last year before experiencing a resurgence after a managerial change, with Marten Glotzbach taking over as head coach in December. In January, they lost top scorer Lobke Loonen to FC Utrecht in the club’s first for-profit player sale on the women’s side, however the women’s team have seen few of those funds reinvested.
This was followed up by an exodus in the summer, with half of last year’s starting eleven either retiring or moving. For example, defender Daniëlle Noordermeer moved to Ajax, and has fit in seamlessly, notching player of the match against Excelsior.
A reliance on the youth team is telling – the club are not willing to invest beyond what is necessary as they push for promotion to the Eredivisie for the men’s side. As the women’s league becomes increasingly professional, with clubs spending money and the potential for three relegations this season, the threat of going down is looming for ADO. A shame considering they were one of the founding members of the Eredivisie back in 2007 and have not left the top flight since then.
The game against PEC – another mid-table stalwart – is one ADO would have liked to have won, or at least gained a point from before they face teams higher up the table. They face a difficult end to the year, with their next showing against FC Twente, and games against Utrecht, PSV, and Ajax before Christmas.
Riola Xhemaili the breakthrough star for PSV
NAC Breda 0-5 PSV
Riola Xhemaili continues to dominate the Eredivisie Vrouwen. The Swiss forward was once again decisive for PSV on Sunday afternoon, leading her team to a 5–0 victory over bottom side NAC Breda. With a hat-trick, Xhemaili increased her season tally and already looks well on her way to the top scorer title.
The 21-year-old international — who helped Switzerland reach the quarterfinals of this year’s European Championship — has proven herself a true fighter in PSV’s red and white this season. No fear, no mercy: Xhemaili scores with an unshakable conviction that makes her one of the best strikers in the league. PSV can count themselves lucky to have secured her for three more seasons.
Roeland ten Berge’s side had no trouble at all in Breda. After just seven minutes, Xhemaili stepped up to the penalty spot when Renate Jansen was brought down in the box. The Swiss forward stayed calm and converted flawlessly: 0–1.
Ten minutes later, she doubled the lead. With a clever turn, she left her defender behind and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Nikki de Haan. Just before halftime, defender Nijstad made it 0–3 by flicking a corner neatly into the net.
PSV continued to dominate after the interval and were rarely threatened. Just over an hour in, Xhemaili completed her hat-trick: meeting a cross from Nijstad with a powerful header — her third of the afternoon and yet another display of clinical finishing.
Ripa then sealed the final score at 0–5, again assisted by Nijstad. NAC tried to respond in the closing stages, but chances for Brigitte Franken failed to produce a goal.
With the win, PSV remain in third place — just one point behind leaders Ajax and Twente.
Follow Jan for news about Dutch women’s football at www.fcleeuwinnen.nl. Read news about the star players, get strong point of views from their columnists and discover upcoming Dutch talents.
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