SC Heerenveen Women Stun Ajax Amsterdam Women in 3-1 Eredivisie Vrouwen Upset

SC Heerenveen Women delivered one of the standout results of the early Eredivisie Vrouwen season, defeating Ajax Amsterdam Women 3-1 at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on September 13, 2026. The home side produced a clinical and disciplined performance to hand the Amsterdam giants a surprising defeat, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

Ajax arrived as heavy favorites, boasting a squad packed with international talent and title ambitions. However, Heerenveen’s high-pressing approach and ruthless finishing turned the form book on its head. The three points lift Heerenveen into a promising position in the standings, while Ajax are left to reflect on a missed opportunity to keep pace at the top.

Match Overview: Heerenveen’s Fast Start Sets the Tone

From the opening whistle, Heerenveen refused to sit back. Their midfield pressed aggressively, forcing Ajax into uncharacteristic turnovers. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Nienke de Vries latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the Ajax goalkeeper.

The lead was doubled in the 34th minute through a well-worked team move. Marit Doorn received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted onto her left foot, and curled a precise effort into the far corner. Ajax struggled to find rhythm, with their usually fluid attacking play disrupted by Heerenveen’s compact defensive block.

Key Moments: Ajax Threat and Heerenveen’s Killer Instinct

Ajax improved after the break and pulled one back in the 56th minute. Nikki van den Berg found space in the penalty area and fired home from close range, giving the visitors a lifeline. For a brief period, Ajax pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Heerenveen’s goalkeeper produced a string of crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Against the run of play, Heerenveen restored their two-goal cushion in the 78th minute. A swift counter-attack ended with Fenna Jansen finishing coolly from inside the box, sealing a famous victory. The goal deflated Ajax, and Heerenveen comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

Tactical Story: Press, Counter, and Defend

Heerenveen’s game plan was executed to perfection. They allowed Ajax possession in harmless areas but pressed intensely in the final third, forcing errors. The midfield trio of De Vries, Doorn, and captain Sanne Koolhaas controlled the tempo, while the backline remained resolute under late pressure. Ajax, missing a couple of key players through injury, lacked their usual creativity and were repeatedly frustrated by Heerenveen’s disciplined shape.

Standout Players

• Nienke de Vries (Heerenveen): Opened the scoring and was a constant menace with her movement and link-up play.
• Marit Doorn (Heerenveen): Scored a spectacular second goal and dictated play in midfield.
• Nikki van den Berg (Ajax): Ajax’s best player on the night, scoring their only goal and testing the goalkeeper.
• Heerenveen goalkeeper: Made several key saves, especially in the second half, to deny Ajax an equalizer.

Season Impact: Heerenveen Climb, Ajax Stumble

The win moves SC Heerenveen Women into the upper half of the Eredivisie Vrouwen table, boosting confidence for a challenging run of fixtures. For Ajax Amsterdam Women, the defeat is a setback in their title pursuit, leaving them with ground to make up on the early leaders. The result also highlights the growing competitiveness of the Dutch women’s top flight, where any team can punish the top sides on a given day.

Heerenveen will look to build on this momentum, while Ajax must regroup quickly before their next league outing. The 2026-27 season is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.