There was good news for Dutch clubs in the Europa League competition on Thursday night, with a win for AZ at home against AS Roma and FC Twente beating Malmo away.

But Ajax, who had been looking confident of a place in the knockout round, lost to Riga FS in Latvia.

AZ are now very likely to secure a spot in the intermediary round of the Europa League after their 1-0 win over AS Roma. Troy Parrott scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute.

AZ now have 11 points from seven matches and will meet Hungarian side Ferencváros away in their last game of the open competition.

FC Twente may also now qualify for the intermediary round after beating Malmö FF 2-3 away – thanks in part to two penalties. They meet Turkish club Besiktas next week, with a win ensuring them a place in the next round.

Ajax, by contrast, lost 1-0 in Latvia to Riga FS, with Adam Markhiev scoring in the 78th minute. That means Ajax, with 10 points, will no longer qualify for direct placement in the knock-out competition and now face the intermediary round as well.

Francesco Farioli’s squad will meet Turkish side Galatasaray at home next week.