In a tightly contested match at Stadion De Vliert, FC Den Bosch and VVV-Venlo played to a frustrating 0-0 draw on April 18, 2025. Both teams had their chances, but neither could find the back of the net, leading to a stalemate that left fans yearning for more action.
FC Den Bosch, looking to bounce back from a defeat against Dordrecht, entered the match with high hopes. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with a sunny day and a well-filled crowd creating a perfect backdrop for this Eerste Divisie clash. Head coach Ulrich Landvreugd made several changes to the lineup, bringing in Rik Mulders, Konstantios Doumtsios, and Markus Soomets to start. For Mulders and Doumtsios, it was a significant moment as it marked their first starting appearances in months.
The home side began the match with intensity, controlling possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. It wasn't until the 20th minute that the first real chance emerged. Miki Bakala, dominating the midfield, set up Hicham Acheffay, who danced past his marker and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box. VVV-Venlo's goalkeeper, Trevor Doornbusch, was up to the task, stretching to tip the ball over the crossbar, much to the delight of the home supporters.
Following Acheffay's effort, Den Bosch continued to press, with Doumtsios frequently involved in the attack. However, the Venlo defense held firm, thwarting several attempts. As the first half wore on, VVV-Venlo began to find their footing. Dries Sadiki nearly broke the deadlock with a spectacular volley attempt from 17 meters, but his shot was easily gathered by Den Bosch's keeper, Pepijn van de Merbel.
Despite the back-and-forth action, the first half concluded with both teams still searching for that elusive goal, leaving the scoreline at 0-0. The second half saw VVV-Venlo come out with renewed vigor, and they created a golden opportunity early on. Zandbergen found himself with a clear shot on goal, but he misfired, sending the ball a meter over the bar.
As the match progressed, FC Den Bosch regained control and sought to break the deadlock. In the 60th minute, Landvreugd opted for a tactical shift, substituting Mulders and Doumtsios for Danzell Gravenberch and Sheddy Barglan. This move aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack.
By the 63rd minute, Byron Burgering showcased his skills, maneuvering past two defenders before setting up Gravenberch. Unfortunately, the newly introduced striker couldn't find his aim, shooting wide from a promising position. A few minutes later, Acheffay had another chance to score, heading the ball from close range after a precise cross. However, the speed of the delivery caught him off guard, and he failed to direct it on target.
As the clock ticked down, FC Den Bosch ramped up the pressure, desperately seeking a breakthrough. In the 83rd minute, Mees Laros had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead. After a well-placed cross from Burgering, Laros shot from just five meters out, but Doornbusch produced a miraculous save, keeping the score level and earning himself accolades from the VVV supporters.
In the dying moments of the match, Burgering again looked poised to score, but the referee, Timmer, blew the whistle for a foul just before he could pull the trigger. The match ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, a result that reflected the efforts of both teams but left fans longing for goals.
Looking ahead, FC Den Bosch will travel to face Jong AZ on Monday, April 28, 2025, in what promises to be another challenging encounter. Tickets for that match are still available through the online ticket shop, as the team seeks to secure a much-needed victory after this frustrating draw.
