Bryan Ruiz scored the only goal seven minutes from time to finally break the resistance of Vitesse, who are just two points above the drop zone.

Reigning champions AZ Alkmaar scored three times in the last 20 minutes to complete a rollercoaster 4-2 win over Roda JC.

The visitors went in front after just three minutes but found themselves 2-1 down after a spirited Roda fightback.

But Rasmus Elm, Jeremain Lens and Jonathas all found the net late on before Jonathas was sent off in the last minute.

Saidi Ntibazonkiza had the final say in a six-goal thriller as struggling NEC Nijmegen battled for a 3-3 draw against NAC Breda.

Ntibazonkiza grabbed NEC's third goal eight minutes from the end of a match which they had led at the hour mark, only for Matthew Amoah's double to turn the game in NAC's favour.

Bjorn Vleminckx had put NEC ahead after just 10 minutes but an own goal four minutes later from Niels Wellenberg cancelled that out.

Ntibazonkiza put NEC in front again after 54 minutes but Amoah's goals (62 and 78) looked to have put NAC on course for three points.

Bottom side RKC Waalwijk benefited from the early dismissal of FC Groningen goalkeeper Luciano to register only their third league victory of the season.

Luciano received a straight red card for hauling down RKC striker Charlison Benschop outside the area after 11 minutes and the hosts did not take long to make their man advantage pay.

Benschop opened the scoring after 18 minutes while Ruud Berger made it 2-0 after half an hour.

Tim Matavz pulled one back for Groningen but Benschop's second of the night in the second period ensured RKC posted a 3-1 win.