Rotterdam football club Feyenoord had a disappointing start to its efforts to win a place in this year’s Europa League group competition, losing 1-0 away to Kuban Krasnodar of Russia.

Feyenoord last qualified for the group stage of the Europa League in the 2008/09 season. The return leg at home takes place next week.

AZ of Alkmaar beat Atromitos Athens 1-3, making sure the club is well-placed for their return match in the Netherlands next Thursday.

AZ and Alkmaar are the only two Dutch clubs to reach the play-offs.

Ajax automatically qualifies for the Champion’s League as Eredivisie winner and PSV Eindhoven is hoping to pick up a place in that event by beating AC Milan next week.