ADO Den Haag seal Eredivisie return after five-year absence

After five years away, ADO Den Haag has secured its return to the Eredivisie. A narrow 1–0 victory over Jong FC Utrecht on Tuesday night ensured the Keuken Kampioen Divisie leaders can no longer be overtaken by third-placed De Graafschap. Match-winner Evan Rottier received a warm ovation as he left the pitch with ten minutes remaining.

Many fans rushed onto the field to celebrate the club’s return to the Eredivisie, despite the club’s clear request to keep the pitch clear. On the field, ADO’s players were carried on the shoulders of jubilant supporters as flags waved and music blared during the celebrations. Afterwards, the team headed to the dressing rooms. The club is expected to receive a fine from the KNVB for the pitch invasion.

ADO’s stadium was packed with 15,000 fans for a match that the home supporters had eagerly awaited for years. Long before referee Shona Shukrula signaled the start, thousands of lights in the stands lit up the atmosphere. Outside, fireworks lit the sky for several minutes.

The first half gave the crowd very little to cheer for from either side. ADO’s only opportunities came late in the period: Luka Reischl’s backheel flew over the goal, and Cameron Peupion’s attempt was blocked right on the line.

Just five minutes into the second half, ADO broke the deadlock. Peupion’s shot was stopped by FC Utrecht’s goalkeeper Kevin Gadella, but Rottier was there to finish the rebound. ADO continued to create chances through Peupion, Juho Kilo, and Matteo Waem, yet none of their attempts could extend the lead.

The two teams at the top of the table earn promotion to the top level of Dutch professional football. ADO remains in a battle for the title with Cambuur, who sit second, four points adrift but with one game in hand.

ADO’s last relegation came in 2021. The following year, they nearly returned to the Eredivisie but fell to Excelsior in a penalty shootout during the play-offs. The match ended with riots erupting on the pitch.

ADO had a rollercoaster season but stayed near the top of the table throughout. Before the season started, technical director Joris Mathijsen stepped down after being blocked from appointing John van den Brom as head coach. The club opted for the German Robin Peter instead. Former manager Mark Wotte took over technical responsibilities and successfully reinforced the squad in crucial areas.

ADO began the season strongly, staying nearly invincible for an extended period. However, by the end of the year, Peter’s squad hit a slump, going five games without a win. The negative run was finally broken in early February.

Following repeated requests from the announcer for fans to clear the field, ADO’s ceremony was eventually held on a nearly empty pitch about half an hour later. The club was awarded a silver shield in recognition of its promotion to the highest level of professional football.

A reporter noted that heavy fireworks were going off outside the stadium, accompanied by constant honking. Police had cordoned off the stadium entrances.