Ajax finish fifth as Heerenveen draw leaves European place hinging on play-offs | OneFootball

Ajax ended a bleak Eredivisie campaign with a 0-0 draw at Heerenveen on a waterlogged surface where the ball barely rolled late on. The result leaves them relying on domestic play-offs to keep European football next term.

According to L'Équipe, Ajax must come through a four-team domestic play-off to claim a spot in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. In the semi-finals they meet Groningen, with Utrecht and Heerenveen contesting the other tie.

PSV were crowned champions, Feyenoord also qualified for the Champions League, NEC Nijmegen finished above Ajax and could yet join via play-offs, and Twente will contest play-offs for the Europa League league phase.

Ajax have not missed European competition for sporting reasons since 1965-66, with their only later absence in 1990-91 caused by suspension. Failure in the upcoming play-offs could leave them without continental football next season.

Oscar Garcia has been in charge since March, seeking to steady a club in deep crisis. Ajax have won the Dutch title 36 times and lifted the European Cup in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1995.

Source: L'Équipe