Feyenoord missed the chance to consolidate their grip on automatic qualification into the Europa League after losing 4-1 to Vitesse at De Kuip tonight.
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Sunday's win over NAC Breda saw AZ move level on points with Fred Rutten's side in third - the only spot which guarantees entry into Europe's secondary competition.
Tonight's hosts buckled under the pressure, though, as a thrilling first half saw Vitesse inflict much of the damage.
First, Valeri Kazaishvili fired the visitors ahead with a sublime opening goal after 12 minutes to leave Kenneth Vermeer with no chance.
Things got worse for the hosts just after the half-hour mark as Jan-Arie van der Heijden doubled the advantage by capitalising on a botched clearance from defence.
Feyenoord, who came into the clash without a win in three, threw themselves a lifeline towards ending their end-of-season woes when Jens Toornstra pulled one back on 38 minutes.
It proved a false dawn, however, as Vitesse re-established their two-goal cushion shortly before the break through Rochdi Achenteh.
After threatening to add a fourth for much of the second half, the visitors' perseverance paid off in timely fashion when Zakaria Labyad stroked beyond Vermeer in stoppage time to seal a comfortable win.
AZ, who sit 16 goals adrift in goal difference, know that bettering Feyenoord's result on the final day of the season this weekend will see them finish third.
Shane Callaghan
