Ajax, AZ and Twente edge into Europa League play-offs

Bertrand Traore and Kian Fitz-Jim celebrate their win. Photo: Sem van der Waal ANP

All three Dutch clubs taking part in this year’s Europa League competition have qualified for the play-offs to determine the final eight teams for the round of 16.

Ajax, who beat Turkish side Galatasaray 2-1, will meet either Union Sint-Gillis or Greek side PAOK, both of which lost their final game of the first stage. Ajax, which ended 12th in the ranking, begins with an away match against either the 21st or 22nd team in the league of 32.

AZ of Alkmaar lost 4-3 to Hungarian side Ferencváros, but had still done enough in earlier games to make the intermediary round where they will meet either Real Sociedad of Spain or Galatasaray. That first game will be at home.

FC Twente, who beat Beşiktaş 1-0 through a Daan Rots goal in the 76th minute, will meet either Anderlecht or Norway’s Bodø/Glimt for a place in the round of 16.

The play-offs will be played on February 13 and 20.

On Wednesday evening, both PSV and Feyenoord qualified for the play-offs for the next stage in the Champions League competition.

The draw for the playoffs takes place on Friday at 1 pm.

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