Hakim Ziyech's second-half goal proved enough as Ajax edged Excelsior __with a 1-0 win at the Amsterdam ArenA to keep the pressure on Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord.
The 23-year-old Morocco midfielder fired Kasper Dolberg's cross home three minutes after the break to extend his side's undefeated league run to eight games to remain second, two points behind the leaders.
Reigning champions PSV Eindhoven moved into third after a 2-0 victory at Vitesse thanks to a brace from Gaston Pereiro, who took his season tally to five.
Willem II claimed a much-needed 2-1 triumph over Groningen to move off the bottom of the table and up to 13th as goals from Thom Haye and Bartholomew Ogbeche sandwiched Mimoun Mahi's equaliser.
Elsewhere, Sparta Rotterdam and Heracles shared the spoils from a topsy-turvy match at Polman Stadion after Zakaria El Azzouzi put visitors Rotterdam ahead.
Brahim Darri and Brandley Kuwas turned the tide in Heracles' favour before a late equaliser from Loris Brogno earned a point.
See if leaders Feyenoord can maintain their lead at the top of the table live on Sky Sports on Sunday as they host host Heerenveen on the Sky Sports 2 red button from 1.20pm.