Feyenoord claim Dutch top spot as AZ's unbeaten streak ends

Under the floodlights of De Kuip, the roar of the home crowd swelled as Con Mateo Chávez started for AZ Alkmaar. The visitors fell 2-0 to Feyenoord, handing the Rotterdam side three points and ending AZ’s perfect start to the Eredivisie season.

Feyenoord seize the lead

Playing at home, Feyenoord capitalised on their venue to secure the win and break the Granjeros’ eight‑match unbeaten run. The victory propelled the Rotterdam club to the summit of the Dutch championship, overtaking AZ Alkmaar in the standings.

In the 22nd minute, Ignacio Ferri exploited a defensive lapse, out‑muscling Wouter Goes and firing a powerful right‑footed shot past the AZ keeper to open the scoring. The early strike set the tone for the hosts and forced the visitors onto the back foot.

AZ pressed for an equaliser and saw a penalty awarded in the 41st minute after Mexx Meerdink was brought down by Tjark Ernst. However, the VAR intervened and the spot‑kick was rescinded, leaving the Granjeros still trailing.

AZ's unbeaten run shattered

Early in the second half, Mateo Chávez found a rebound inside the opposition box in the 49th minute and struck, but the Feyenoord defence blocked the effort and cleared the ball to a corner. Six minutes later, Javi López surged forward from a corner and curled a right‑footed shot into the net, extending the lead to 2‑0.

At the 80th minute, Chávez surged down the left flank, delivered a cross that met an unmarked Mexx Meerdink, whose volley sailed over the bar. The chance represented AZ’s best opportunity to claw back into the game.

The final minutes saw Feyenoord’s defence hold firm, with the referee adding only three minutes of stoppage time. The whistle confirmed the Granjeros’ first defeat of the campaign and cemented Feyenoord’s ascent to the top of the Eredivisie.

Points shift in the Eredivisie

AZ Alkmaar’s tally slipped to 19 points from six wins, one draw and one loss, dropping them to third place. Feyenoord, meanwhile, moved into the championship lead, underscoring the impact of the home victory.

The match was highlighted on Google under the Futbol tag, and the headline “Con Mateo Chávez titular” captured the narrative of the Mexican defender’s start in a game that reshaped the Dutch league table.