The competition for promotion play-off spots in the Eerste Divisie is heating up as we approach the end of the season. A total of seven teams—six from the second division and one from the Eredivisie—are set to clash for the opportunity to ascend or retain their status in the top tier of Dutch football. Currently, only Willem II has secured a guaranteed place in the playoffs. According to ESPN, several scenarios could unfold in the final matches that will determine the playoff contenders.
Willem II sits in third place with 62 points, enjoying a relatively comfortable path to the playoffs. They earned their playoff spot by finishing first in the league’s third period. The league is divided into four periods, with the winners securing one of two playoff tickets. ADO Den Haag claimed the first two periods, but since they are already champions, their ticket was passed to SC Cambuur, who finished behind them. Cambuur then won the third period, transferring their ticket to Willem II. As Cambuur has now achieved promotion, their playoff spot will not be needed. That leaves one ticket available, and Vitesse is currently leading in the fourth period.
Vitesse’s recent performances have altered the dynamics of the race. Currently in 12th place, their position means that the ninth-placed team could miss out on the playoffs. Since Jong PSV occupies fifth place but cannot gain promotion, it is the ninth-place finisher who stands to qualify for the playoffs. While some might argue that a 12th-place team like Vitesse reaching the playoffs is unjust, it’s important to note that they started the season with a 12-point penalty. If those points were reinstated, they would have 55 points and sit in playoff contention.
However, Vitesse must still secure their place by winning this period. They are currently tied on points for this period with Willem II, who holds one of the playoff tickets. Therefore, Vitesse needs to maintain their lead over RKC Waalwijk and FC Den Bosch. RKC Waalwijk is just two points behind, while Den Bosch, with a game in hand, could get closer if they defeat Jong Utrecht. None of these teams face each other in their final matches.
De Graafschap is also poised for a playoff spot, currently sitting fourth with 60 points and holding a solid lead over the competition. The team has been propelled by star player Reuven Niemeijer, who has netted 20 goals this season. De Graafschap last earned promotion in 2018, only to be relegated the following year.
Almere City, RKC Waalwijk, Roda JC, Den Bosch, Dordrecht, and FC Eindhoven are all still in the hunt. FC Eindhoven is less likely to qualify without winning their last two matches and hoping for Vitesse’s downfall. Almere and RKC Waalwijk appear set to advance, while Roda would need to lose both of their final matches to realistically miss out.
For Den Bosch, surpassing Vitesse in the period rankings is crucial to ensure their playoff qualification. They currently occupy the ninth position, making them the team most at risk of exclusion.
Last season, Telstar made waves in Dutch football by winning the playoffs and securing a place in the Eredivisie. They are expected to return to the playoffs soon to defend their top-flight status.