Alves scored two free-kicks, a penalty and one other to take his impressive haul to 34 for the season, with Lasse Nilsson supplying the other to send Heerenveen into the Champions League play-offs.

Feyenoord, whose goal came from Danny Buys, have had a dreadful campaign and a seventh-place finish with only a UEFA Cup play-off campaign to come is meagre fare for supporters who expect much better of a club with a mighty tradition.

Much was at stake for both sides but Heerenveen tore into Erwin Koeman's men.

Gianni Zuiverloon launched an early raid with a cross from the right to Nilsson who got a touch but poked the ball wide.

Theo Lucius created a good opening for Pierre van Hooijdonk whose shot was bravely blocked by Andre Hanssen as his touch took the ball over the bar.

Alves opened his account for the day - but not for what has been a stunning season - after 32 minutes when he found the top left corner with a free-kick from outside the area.

Angelos Charisteas then went close to equalising for Feyenoord when he fired wide after dribbling through.

Koeman must have thought his luck had changed after 55 minutes when Charisteas crossed to Royston Drenthe whose shot rattled the crossbar with Buys on hand to tap in the rebound.

They could have taken the lead after 59 minutes when Sherif Ekramy's pass released Romeo Castelen but Heerenveen custodian Brian Vandenbussche came to the rescue with a save.

Ugur Yildirim then created the second goal for Heerenveen as he crossed to Alves who outfoxed Ron Vlaar before scoring into the bottom right corner.

Alves completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after 75 minutes after Nilsson had been fouled by Andre Bahia.

Michael Bradley then crossed to Nilsson who took a touch before scoring to make it 4-1.

Alves signed off with another free-kick, this time finding the top right corner.

It ended a memorable regular season for club and player and if he can keep his scoring boots on the reward could yet be a Champions League berth.

Feyenoord will have to go back to the drawing board after a season marked by poor performances and their exclusion from the UEFA Cup because of crowd trouble.