On April 7, 2025, ADO Den Haag faced off against Jong FC Utrecht in a crucial match at De Galgenwaard stadium, aiming to secure vital points in their quest for direct promotion to the Eredivisie. The stakes were high for ADO, who needed a win to reclaim their position in the promotion race. However, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, leaving ADO Den Haag with a sense of urgency as they look towards the final stretch of the season.
The game started with ADO Den Haag showing promise, maintaining possession and creating opportunities early on. However, it was Jong FC Utrecht who struck first, taking the lead in the 41st minute. Noah Ohio converted a controversial penalty, sending the ball into the right corner while ADO's goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema dove the opposite way. The decision to award the penalty was met with frustration from the ADO players and supporters, as it seemed to stem from a slip rather than a clear foul.
At halftime, ADO found themselves trailing 1-0, needing a significant turnaround to secure the points they desperately required. In the locker room, ADO's coach, Darije Kalezic, emphasized the importance of maintaining their current form to achieve promotion, stating, "We need to keep pushing and create more chances in the second half if we want to win this match."
As the second half commenced, ADO Den Haag ramped up their offensive efforts. In the 58th minute, they finally found the equalizer. Alex Schalk, who had been a key player throughout the season, capitalized on a chaotic moment in the box, scoring the equalizer while a teammate lay injured on the ground. The ADO supporters erupted in cheers, hoping this would spark a comeback.
Despite the momentum shift, ADO struggled to convert their chances into a decisive lead. In the 66th minute, Kalezic made a double substitution, bringing on Sekou Sylla and Kürsad Sürmeli to inject fresh energy into the squad. Sylla, who had recently extended his contract, was eager to make an impact. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 71st minute when both teams received red cards, leaving them with ten players each after Noa Dundas and Sürmeli were sent off for a heated exchange.
As the match progressed into the dying minutes, both teams pushed for a winner. In the 90th minute, Nikiema made a crucial save against Miliano Jonathans, keeping ADO in the game. Just moments later, ADO nearly took the lead when a corner kick resulted in a frantic scramble in the box, but the ball was cleared off the line, maintaining the 1-1 score.
With six minutes of extra time added, ADO continued to press forward, but their efforts were met with resilience from the Jong FC Utrecht defense. The final whistle blew, and the match concluded with a disappointing draw for ADO Den Haag. The result was a significant setback in their promotion campaign, leaving them in third place with 61 points, trailing behind Excelsior Rotterdam and FC Volendam.
After the match, Sekou Sylla expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the team's prospects. "We have to learn from this and focus on the next game. We know we can do better, and we have to prove it in the coming weeks," he said. Meanwhile, Kalezic acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "We can't afford to drop points like this if we want to achieve our goal of promotion. We need to regroup and prepare for our next match."
As the season approaches its climax, ADO Den Haag faces a crucial period ahead. With only a few matches remaining, every point will count as they aim to secure a top-two finish and gain promotion to the Eredivisie. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal, and the team will need to harness their potential and rectify the mistakes made against Jong FC Utrecht.
In the broader context, ADO Den Haag's recent performance has been a rollercoaster ride. They managed to pull off a last-minute victory against FC Dordrecht just a week prior, showcasing their ability to fight until the end. However, the inconsistency displayed against Jong FC Utrecht raises questions about their readiness for the challenges of the final matches.
With the summer transfer window looming, ADO Den Haag's management is also preparing for potential changes to the squad. Director Joris Mathijsen mentioned, "It’s going to be a busy summer for us. We need to ensure we have the right players to compete at the highest level next season." This sentiment is echoed by the recent decisions to terminate contracts for several players, including captain Alex Schalk, while extending Sylla's contract due to his contributions this season.
As ADO Den Haag looks ahead, the focus will undoubtedly be on their next match and the opportunity to bounce back from the disappointment against Jong FC Utrecht. The race for promotion remains tight, and with the right mindset and determination, ADO can still achieve their goal of returning to the Eredivisie.
