Nathaniel Eucheon
Dutch football clubs Ajax and Heracles Almelo could lose their European slots if they win too many trophies at the expense of lower division sides.
Hiccup in the Heartland victory
Nathaniel Eucheon’s stoppage-time winner gave Heracles Almelo a 2-1 victory over De Graafschap.
It was the fourth defeat in a row for the Dutch top division’s bottom side, with their goal deficit against the bigger clubs now 16.
Their goal difference against all the top-flight teams is -129.
But Dutch football’s Court of Appeal said Heracles must play alongside other top-flight clubs, despite its losing streak.
However, there will be no punishment until the summer because of rules that allow only two clubs from each country to compete in the competition.
Cardiff defeat or Delhi?
Cardiff City lost 3-1 at home to Indian Super League outfit FC Pune City, their second straight defeat.
The Wales side’s defeat against West Ham last week followed on from a 2-1 loss away to Chennaiyin FC in the Indian league’s first leg.
In October, Cardiff beat Mumbai City 4-1 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on home soil.
With the away goal advantage, Cardiff, managed by Dutchman Russell Slade, edged the match 4-3 on aggregate.
But their journey ended against Pune on Saturday.
Saturday’s defeat meant they finished bottom of their group.