AMSTERDAM/GRONINGEN, Apr 20 (SW) - Ajax had a comfortable win over Feyenoord in the first leg of the Dutch Champions League play-off semi-finals, while FC Groningen are close to a spot in the final as well after a win over AZ Alkmaar.

Mauro Rosales put Ajax in the lead after 27 minutes, and defender Johnny Heitinga added a second in the 79th. A minute later, it was striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar to net a third goal.

Feyenoord finished with only nine players on the pitch due to red cards for Andre Bahia and Romeo Castelen, while Steven Pienaar was sent off for the hosts.

Groningen meanwhile, easily defeated favorites AZ Alkmaar. Youri Cornelisse broke the deadlock after 55 minutes, and Mark Jan Fledderus got the second in the 84th. Antoine van der Linden got a third in added time, and Kew Jaliens' goal for AZ in the dying minutes seemed to be of little importance but could still be decisive for the return leg.