Definition
The 1970–71 Eredivisie was the 15th season of the Eredivisie, the highest level of professional football in the Netherlands, contested by 18 clubs in a double‑round‑robin format.
Overview
The season commenced in August 1970 and concluded in June 1971. Each club played 34 matches (one home and one away against every other team), with two points awarded for a win and one point for a draw. Ajax Amsterdam captured the league title, marking their third consecutive Eredivisie championship and the first of a three‑year European Cup triumph. Feyenoord Rotterdam finished as runners‑up, while AZ ’67 (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) secured third place. The league’s top goal scorer was Johan Cruyff of Ajax, who netted 35 goals. The two lowest‑placed teams were relegated to the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football.
Etymology/Origin
The term Eredivisie is Dutch for “Honor Division.” It was introduced in 1956 when professional football was established in the Netherlands, replacing the earlier amateur Hoofdklasse system. “Ere” denotes honor or prestige, while “divisie” is a direct cognate of the English word “division,” referring to a league tier.
Characteristics
- Number of teams: 18
- Competition format: Double round‑robin; 2 points per win, 1 point per draw.
- Total matches: 306 (each club 34 matches).
- Goals: The season saw over 1,000 goals scored across all fixtures, reflecting an average of approximately 3.3 goals per match.
- Champion: Ajax Amsterdam (recorded a decisive lead over Feyenoord).
- Top scorer: Johan Cruyff (Ajax) – 35 goals.
- Relegation: The bottom two clubs were demoted to the Eerste Divisie and replaced by the top two Eerste Divisie finishers for the subsequent season.
- European qualification: Ajax qualified for the 1971–72 European Cup; Feyenoord entered the 1971–72 UEFA Cup.
Related Topics
- Eredivisie: The overall Dutch top‑flight league system.
- 1970–71 in Dutch football: Season‑wide overview of Dutch football, including cup competitions.
- Ajax 1970–71 season: Detailed account of Ajax’s domestic and European performance.
- Johan Cruyff: Dutch football legend, his career and impact on the sport.
- Eerste Divisie: The second tier of Dutch professional football, linked through promotion and relegation.