SC Heerenveen's European aspirations ended in disappointment following a resounding 4-1 defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the play-off semi-final. The match, played in Alkmaar, saw AZ dominate from the outset, securing a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime thanks to a hat-trick from Mexx Meerdink, who scored his first goal within three minutes of kickoff. Penetra added a fourth goal in the 66th minute, before Ion Nicolaescu managed a consolation goal for Heerenveen in the 74th minute.

Heerenveen's coach, Robin Veldman, expressed his disappointment with the result. The lopsided scoreline allowed Veldman to give a debut to 19-year-old Robin Bouw and provide minutes to Bernt Klaverboer, the third-choice goalkeeper, due to Mickey van der Hart's injury and Andries Noppert's concussion sustained in a previous match against Feyenoord. Noppert's injury forced him to miss the AZ game, with his availability for a potential final still uncertain, although Veldman expressed some optimism about his recovery. The team's performance against AZ effectively ended Heerenveen's season.

The article also covers other notable Friesland sports news, including:

• LWD Basket's playoff struggles: LWD Basket lost their second consecutive game against Leiden in the best-of-five semi-final series for the national championship, placing them 2-0 down. Their chances of winning the title are now slim.
• Heerenveen's transfer activity: Heerenveen is reportedly close to signing defender Maas Willemsen from De Graafschap. The club has also appointed Agil Etemadi as their new goalkeeper coach.
• Departure of Jet van Beijeren: Midfielder Jet van Beijeren has left Heerenveen to join AZ Alkmaar, signing a contract until mid-2027.
• Douwe Amels retires: High jumper Douwe Amels has announced his retirement from competitive athletics after a successful 15-year career, highlighted by a national record and European indoor title.
• Fierljeppen victory: Freark Kramer and Inger Haanstra won the second fierljeppen competition of the season in Winsum.
• Passing of Nol de Ruiter: Former Cambuur trainer Nol de Ruiter has passed away at the age of 85.
• New commercial director for SC Cambuur: Jos de Kruif is the new commercial director of SC Cambuur.
• Tennis success for Sander Arends: Leeuwarden's Sander Arends and his partner, Luke Johnson won their first-round match in the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg before being eliminated in the next round.
• Liesette Bruinsma receives award: Paralympic swimmer Liesette Bruinsma received the Pahud de Mortanges Trophy for her advocacy of blind tribunes in swimming.
• Schaatser Tim Prins contract extension: Schaatser Tim Prins extended his contract with Team Reggeborgh until 2028.

Heerenveen's disappointing loss against AZ marks the end of their season, leaving them to focus on rebuilding and preparing for the next campaign. The team's poor away record (7 points from 17 matches) prompted the unusual decision to travel to Alkmaar a day before the game and stay overnight in a hotel, a decision supported by the players themselves according to coach Veldman.