With both those clubs still in contention to win the Eredivisie title, the result ensures two of the top three teams in Holland will contest the title.

It took Simon Cziommer 41 minutes to open the scoring for Louis van Gaal's side but once he did the floodgates opened.

Shota Arveladze netted a penalty, Cziommer struck another before Maarten Martens added two more. Gretar Rafn Steinsson completed the rout after 82 minutes.

Cziommer opened the scoring with a goal that seemed to take a deflection off Rob Penders.

Arveladze's spot kick came after Moussa Dembele was fouled by Mike Zonneveld.

Next, Cziommer and Martens (two) added their goals but there was still more to come from Alkmaar.

Steinsson netted when he tucked away a rebound after Ryan Donk's shot had come back off the woodwork.

Now Ajax and AZ will contest the final on May 6 by which the outcome of the title race involving both clubs and leaders and champions PSV Eindhoven will be known.

The final will be played in Rotterdam at De Kuip, the home of Feyenoord.