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.