Marc-André ter Stegen and Julian Brandt marked their Eredivisie debuts with a clean sheet and a goal respectively as Ajax opened their season with a 2-0 win at PEC Zwolle. The German goalkeeper was rarely troubled, making two saves, while Brandt came off the bench to score in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloch, who started, was replaced after an hour with the score still goalless.

Zwolle were reduced to ten men in the 57th minute when left-back Floranus was shown a straight red card for a heavy challenge on Ajax defender Lucas Rosa. The visitors, who had 70 percent possession, finally broke through in the 76th minute when Arokodare set up 18-year-old substitute Jorthy Mokio to score from a central position. Brandt then sealed the win in stoppage time.

Feyenoord secured a 1-0 derby win away to Sparta Rotterdam, with new goalkeeper Tjark Ernst keeping a clean sheet. Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa started for the visitors and was substituted in the 82nd minute. Title holders PSV Eindhoven, meanwhile, were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Fortuna Sittard after conceding an equaliser in stoppage time.

The opening round leaves Excelsior Rotterdam top of the table after a 4-0 win at promoted Cambuur Leeuwarden. Ajax and Feyenoord, the latter having finished second last season under Robin van Persie, are among the early winners, while defending champions PSV have already dropped points.