First Eredivisie relegation confirmed: Heracles Almelo end three-year stay

Heracles Almelo became the first team relegated from the 2025‑26 Eredivisie after a 2-0 defeat to FC Volendam, ending their three‑year spell in the top flight. Earlier, Excelsior’s 5-0 win over Utrecht meant only victory would keep Heracles alive, but Volendam’s clinical display lifted them out of danger and condemned the hosts to the drop. Tension spilled over late on as home fans threw fireworks onto the pitch, briefly halting play.

Heracles’ season unravelled early, losing nine of their first ten matches and prompting the dismissal of Bas Sibum. A brief revival under interim coach Hendrie Krüzen, highlighted by an 8-2 win over PEC Zwolle, proved short‑lived. Ernest Faber’s arrival in December brought little improvement, with just one win in sixteen league games, while top scorer Jizz Hornkamp’s January departure further weakened the side. Having spent every round in the bottom three, Heracles now return to the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.