Ajax claimed a 1-0 win over fierce foes Feyenoord but PSV Eindhoven remained top of the Eredivisie after a convincing win at home.
Defender Ricardo van Rhijn proved the Ajax matchwinner with a fifth-minute free-kick but his team-mates had to withstand a furious response that saw the hosts hit the goalframe three times in the first half.
Colin Kazim-Richards squandered a fine further chance on his first Feyenoord start and Ajax had goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to thank after the break for keeping their precarious lead intact.
Frank de Boer's side move up to second in the table on 12 points but stay three behind pacesetters PSV, who thrashed SC Cambuur 4-0.
The hosts were already 2-0 up through Luuk de Jong and Jetro Willems by the time Lucas Bijker got sent off for a second yellow card shortly before half-time.
But late goals from Jeffrey Bruma and Adam Maher added further gloss to a game long won.
Elsewhere, PEC Zwolle lost 1-0 after Markus Henriksen struck late for AZ Alkmaar.
And Heracles Almelo continue to prop up the pack, falling to a 4-1 defeat, despite taking the lead at home to Twente Enschede, whose recovery was inspired by two-goal Luc Castaignos.