By Xinhua
Amsterdam : The three big title contenders in the Dutch first division football league – Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord – all won their opening matches of the Eredivisie new season, with Ajax stealing the show with an 8-1 rout of De Graafschap.
In Sunday’s away win over De Graafschap, Ajax’s Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored four goals to lead the assault. Uruguayan international Luis Suarez, who moved to Ajax earlier this month, scored once, and earned a penalty, converted by Huntelaar.
Substitute Hedwiges Maduro had two goals under his belt in the second half.
The huge win puts Ajax on top of the Eredivisie standings.
Ajax’s archrivals PSV Eindhoven, the defending champions, were forced to work hard by hosts Heracles in Almelo before sealing victory in the closing minutes through goals by Ibrahim Afellay and Mike Zonneveld.
Heracles players acted like street fighters, using all forms of physical intimidations to give PSV a hard time.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord grabbed an easy 3-0 victory at Utrecht thanks to goals by Luigi Bruins, Nicky Hofs and Roy Makaay.
In another match, Vitesse Arnhem rallied to beat hosts Sparta Rotterdam 2-1.
A total of 18 teams are competing in the new Eredivisie season, which kicked off Friday. Besides Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Vitesse, Groningen, FC Twente and AZ Alkmaar also won their respective matches.