By Jan-Kees Joosse (2/1/26)
Above: Twente players look frustrated. Photo: Ron Jonker / Pro Shots.
The first half of the Netherlands’ women’s Eredivisie season has delivered clear storylines: a relentless title race, credible challengers knocking on the door of the top three, and a relegation battle that is already taking shape.
HERA United 0-0 FC Twente
HERA United benefitted from facing FC Twente at a moment when the champions were still processing their Champions League disappointment. In Amsterdam, HERA showed they are capable of taking points off complacent opponents. A draw against the reigning champions will feel like a win for the hosts.
As expected, Twente dominated possession but lacked conviction. Oranje international Jill Roord struggled under increased pressure and lost possession several times. An early disallowed goal by Jaimy Ravensbergen suggested Twente would eventually force the issue, but that moment never came—largely due to an outstanding performance by HERA goalkeeper Kelly Steen.
Fatigue was clearly visible in the Twente side. With Corina Dekker relying heavily on a consistent starting eleven and balancing European and domestic fixtures, the players looked ready for the winter break. Despite remaining unbeaten in the league, Twente cannot afford complacency in 2026, especially with Ajax awaiting immediately after the restart. Ajax currently lead the table, though Twente still have a game in hand.
HERA United, now up to eighth place, can look back on a first half marked by structural improvement and steady point accumulation away from the relegation zone. With ambitions to add an international player in the winter window, the outlook is positive.
Ajax 5-1 NAC Breda
Ajax Women closed the first half of the season as league leaders following a convincing 5-1 win over NAC Breda. Daniëlle (Isa) Noordermeer was the surprise star, scoring twice – both from free kicks.
Ajax responded strongly after their KNVB Cup elimination. Danique Noordman opened the scoring early, followed by another goal from Danique Tolhoek, who now sits on eight league goals and is firmly in the Golden Boot race.
Former ADO Den Haag player Noordermeer’s free-kick goals stood out, especially in the absence of Sherida Spitse. After the match, Spitse herself confirmed that Noordermeer is now first choice for set pieces. A debut goal for Xanne Kip capped off a dominant afternoon.
Ajax’s month was erratic: heavy defeat to PEC Zwolle, a huge win over Utrecht, cup elimination, and a big league win—but with only the league left to play for in 2026, focus is clear.
SC Heerenveen 1-2 FC Utrecht
FC Utrecht ended the first half with a controlled 2–1 win over Heerenveen. While Utrecht continue to search for trust and organisation on the field, their attacking structure proved decisive. Youngster Rosaly Renfurm and Lobke Loonen made the difference, with Loonen scoring her seventh goal of the season.
Heerenveen made things tense late on but ultimately lacked the quality to complete the comeback. Still, they deserve credit for climbing out of the relegation zone before the break. FC Utrecht do have the quality in the team to go for subtop in the Eredivisie, but something needs to click. A leader needs to step up to get them out of a season full of struggles.
AZ Alkmaar 0-1 PEC Zwolle
PEC Zwolle confirmed their status as the season’s biggest surprise with a 1–0 away win at AZ, consolidating an impressive fifth place. The decisive goal came just before half-time through Sophie van Vugt.
The turning point arrived after the break when AZ captain and Oranje international Desiree van Lunteren received a red card for retaliation. From a player of her experience, greater composure was expected. AZ were forced into an all-or-nothing approach, but it left space that PEC exploited without adding a second goal.
Hannah Huizinga came close several times—hitting the crossbar among other chances. If her finishing improves, PEC Zwolle could become even more dangerous in the second half of the season.
AZ remain a colourless seventh, a position that reflects a team still searching for consistency against direct rivals.
PSV 1-1 Feyenoord
The top clash between PSV and Feyenoord ended 1–1 in Eindhoven. PSV took the lead through a Riola Xhemaili penalty, but Feyenoord dominated large spells after the break and were rewarded with an equaliser by Mao Itamura.
PSV stay third but feel growing pressure from Feyenoord, who are enjoying their strongest season to date. The next step for the Rotterdam side in 2026 is clear: turning narrow draws against top-three teams into wins.
ADO Den Haag 1-1 Excelsior Rotterdam
Excelsior and ADO Den Haag both entered the winter break after a 1–1 draw that felt like a missed opportunity. Excelsior sit tenth, ADO twelfth, and with De Graafschap leading the First Division, the expanded relegation rule threatens both sides.
Excelsior rely heavily on Hendriks as their difference-maker, while ADO lack attacking decisiveness. Unless that changes, the relegation fight will define their 2026.
The bigger picture
Following the first half of the season, the league table tells a clear story. Ajax and Twente are locked in a title duel. PSV and Feyenoord are pushing from close range. PEC Zwolle have earned their place among the sub-top. And at the bottom, margins are thin, pressure is high, and mistakes are costly.
Follow Jan for news about Dutch women’s football at www.fcleeuwinnen.nl.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 