FC Den Bosch faces a bizarre mathematical paradox in the final round of the season: they are actually better off losing their match against ADO Den Haag to qualify for the promotion play-offs. Under the league’s complex “period title” system, if ADO Den Haag (who already secured a play-off spot) finishes in the top two of the current period, their spare ticket trickles down to the highest-ranked team in the overall league table without a ticket—which is Den Bosch. However, if Den Bosch wins the game, they risk helping Vitesse overtake ADO in the period standings. If Vitesse claims that period spot directly, Den Bosch loses their “backdoor” entry and is eliminated. Essentially, by losing the game, Den Bosch ensures their rival doesn’t steal their seat at the table.