AZ Alkmaar vs SC Telstar

AZ Alkmaar returned to winning ways with a tight 1-0 victory over Telstar at AFAS Stadion, bouncing back from a midweek European loss to reclaim top spot in the Eredivisie. Mexx Meerdink settled it in the 19th minute, converting a pass from Valdemar Byskov. AZ dominated long stretches and thought they'd doubled the lead when Kees Smit struck after the break, but VAR ruled it out for a Meerdink handball in the buildup. Telstar keeper Ronald Koeman Jr. produced several key saves, and Weslley Patati spurned a late chance that would have made the scoreline more comfortable. The result stretches AZ's unbeaten run over Telstar to four straight wins and sends them into the international break as league leaders. Telstar leave empty-handed again, though a spirited defensive effort suggests they can still trouble sides above them in the weeks ahead.