Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar were off to a losing start in their Eredivisie opener, beaten 3-2 at Heracles Almelo on Sunday. Goals from Everton, Willy Overtoom and Mark-Jan Fledderus sealed the win for Heracles, whereas Graziano Pelle and last season's top scorer Mounir Al-Hamdaoui scored for AZ. What's more, Ronald Koeman's side finished the game with nine men, courtesy of two straight red cards for Gil Swerts and Pelle late in the game. Another upset in Holland saw PSV Eindhoven held to a 3-3 draw by newcomers VVV Venlo. Elsewhere, Ajax and Feyenoord registered victories over Groningen and NEC Nijmegen respectively, both matches ending 2-0. Miralem Sulejmani and Dennis Rommedahl scored for Ajax at Groningen, while Jon Dahl Tomasson and Leroy Fer signed Feyenoord's goals.
