The Godenzonen were able to continue Frank de Boer’s strong start as coach, as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the KNVB Beker thanks to a superb goal from Miralem Sulejmani just before half-time, winning 1-0 over AZ Alkmaar. Ajax were the stronger side throughout, and the visitor's hope of a unwarranted goal were dashed when Maart Martens was red carded for a two-footed lunge, giving the referee no option but to send him off with 20 minutes remaining.
