Excelsior Rotterdam vs SC Heerenveen

SC Heerenveen secured a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Excelsior at Stadion Woudestein, condemning the hosts to a fourth consecutive Eredivisie defeat in front of just 4,600 supporters. Luuk Brouwers broke the deadlock on 38 minutes, firing Heerenveen ahead before half-time. The visitors then doubled their lead through Joris van Overeem in the 67th minute, seemingly putting the game to bed. Excelsior showed fight through Noah Naujoks, who converted a 74th-minute penalty to make it 1-2. Despite dominating possession at 51% and firing 21 shots, the hosts couldn't find an equaliser as Heerenveen held firm. The win lifts Heerenveen to 37 points in ninth, keeping their top-eight playoff push firmly on track. For Excelsior, stuck in 15th on 26 points, the relegation battle grows ever more anxious with just four points separating them from the playoff zone.