Eredivisie wrap: Vitesse close in on Europa League

Vitesse Arnhem have one hand on a Europa League spot after a 3-1 win away to RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie playoffs.

A second-half double from Wilfried Bony secured victory for Vitesse, who now only need a draw against RKC at home on Monday to clinch a spot in next season’s Europa League.

The visitors from Arnhem led at half-time thanks to Tomas Kalas’ long-range goal in the 22nd minute, but RKC hit back 10 minutes after the break when Krisztian Nemeth finished off Furkan Alakmak’s lead-up work.

But the home side’s hopes of taking a lead into Sunday’s second leg were ruined by Bony.

The Ivorian striker scored his first in the 69th minute after collecting a loose ball just outside the penalty area and driving forward to chip RKC goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.

With nine minutes to go, Bony made it 3-1 with a powerful header from a corner.

In the promotion-relegation playoffs, VVV Venlo came from behind to win 2-1 away to Helmond Sport.

VVV, who finished 17th in the Eredivisie this season, took a big step toward remaining in the Dutch top flight thanks to goals from Ismo Vorstermans and Danny Holla.

After a goalless first half, hosts Helmond took the lead in front of their own fans when Youssef Koubali hit the back of the net in the 57th minute.

But in the last 17 minutes, Holla turned the match around for the visitors.

The 24-year-old midfielder set up Vorstermans for VVV’s first goal in the 73rd minute and then snatched victory with a goal of his own 14 minutes later.

The second leg of VVV’s playoff against Helmond will also be played on Sunday.