ALKMAAR, Netherlands (Interstat) — AZ Alkmaar opened its Eredivisie campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Heerenveen on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at AFAS Stadion, fueled by a stunning two-goal burst in the opening minutes from midfielder Sven Mijnans.

The match was effectively decided before many in the crowd had settled into their seats. Mijnans struck twice in a devastating 60-second span early in the first half, setting the tone for a dominant performance by the home side. His first goal came in the 7th minute, followed immediately by his second in the 8th minute, leaving Heerenveen reeling and putting AZ firmly in control.

Heerenveen, the visiting team, struggled to generate any meaningful response to the early deficit. Their offensive efforts were consistently stifled by AZ’s organized defense, which limited clear chances and preserved the clean sheet. The visitors finished the match without a goal, failing to overturn the early momentum swung decisively by Mijnans.

AZ extended its lead in the 71st minute when forward Troy Parrott found the net to seal the result. The buildup to the third goal involved substitute Oliver Braude, who was credited with an assist. Forward Mees De Wit also recorded an assist earlier in the match, contributing to the offensive display.

The match was not without disciplinary action. Braude, shortly after entering the game, received a yellow card in the 42nd minute. De Wit was also cautioned in the 55th minute for AZ. Heerenveen did not receive any bookings during the contest.

The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a closer 2-1 outcome in favor of AZ. The analytics firm’s ELO rating system had given AZ a 75.80 percent probability to win, a forecast the home side exceeded with its comprehensive performance.

With the victory, AZ begins its season in the Dutch top flight with a record of 1 win and 0 losses, earning a crucial three points. Heerenveen starts its campaign with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss. The records apply to both the Eredivisie competition and each team’s overall record across all competitions for the season.