Netherlands Eredivisie is alive with fervour and passion – start making plans for a football weekend now the 2017/18 schedule has been confirmed.
See Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven
The Dutch have always loved the beautiful game and a football weekend in the Netherlands is perhaps the closest you will get to a match in the UK in terms of atmosphere. The bars and lively, the stadiums are packed and the atmosphere is excellent. Feyenoord won the league last time around, their first title in the 21st Century – prompting wild celebrations in the Dutch second city of Rotterdam. De Kuip, Feyenoord’s stadium, is renowned for its intense atmosphere and a match here simply has to be experienced. However expect their closest rivals Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven to fight back strongly next season. Ajax ran Manchester United close in the Europa League final and the club are famous the world over for producing exciting players that go on to grace the world stage. PSV are the pride of Eindhoven, and ensure that most seasons are at least a three-way competition for the title. The city is also home to the longest street of pubs and bars in the Netherlands – ideal for before and after the game!
Eredivisie fixture dates
The Eredivisie 2018/19 Dutch football season kicks off over the weekend of August 11, 12 and 13. The Johan Cruyff Shield – the Dutch version of the Community Shield – is the weekend before and sees league champions Feyenoord play Vitesse, who won the KNVB Cup in 2017, their first ever major honour. Of the 34 matchdays, three will take place in midweek. The final match of the season is the play-off final on May 20, 2018. The KNVB Cup final is on April 22, 2018 at De Kuip. The full set of fixtures will be revealed in mid June.