FC Volendam has taken the lead in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie following their 2-1 victory against De Graafschap at the Kras Stadion on December 22, 2024. Thanks to this win, which came as Excelsior managed only to draw their game, Volendam now has 40 points from 20 matches, securing their position as frontrunners.
The match did not start off on the best note for Volendam. De Graafschap gained the early advantage when Mawouna Amevor inadvertently put the ball past his own goalkeeper just 14 minutes in, leaving Volendam trailing 0-1. This own goal created significant pressure on the home team to respond quickly.
Just nine minutes later, Volendam’s Robert Mühren leveled the score at 1-1. The neat finish came after he capitalized on a precise cross from Bilal Ould-Chikh, demonstrating Mühren’s readiness to seize opportunities when they arise.
After the equalizer, Volendam sought to dominate the play, enhancing their aggressive approach as they pressed for the lead. A notable moment came just before the hour mark when Alex Plat's shot went narrowly past the post, highlighting the increasing urgency from the home side. Following this, Bilal Ould-Chikh's effort also slipped just over the crossbar, expressing the relentless quest for the second goal.
Despite maintaining pressure on De Graafschap’s defense, Volendam found it challenging to break through. Henk Veerman's acrobatic attempt with an overhead kick went wide, and Mühren's subsequent strike was kept out by goalkeeper Joshua Smits, who had to be on high alert throughout the second half.
The game reached its climax late when, with just four minutes remaining, Mühren once again stepped up to score, this time with a well-placed shot to the far corner. His 86th-minute goal secured the 2-1 lead and acted as the decisive factor for Volendam’s triumph.
Volendam’s victory not only solidified their place at the top of the league but also provided momentum heading toward the winter break. Mühren, who proved to be the star of the match, emphasized the hard work and determination of his team, stating, "Na een voorzet van Bilal Ould-Chikh kon de spits de gelijkmaker binnenschieten." His efforts alongside Alex Plat and others showed the collective strength of the squad.
With the 2024 season wrapping up, FC Volendam heads off to enjoy their winter break before returning for their next match against FC Eindhoven, scheduled for January 10, 2025. The atmosphere around the team is certainly optimistic; they are making strides toward their promotion ambitions with their leaders firmly maintaining their grip at the top of the table. The fans will certainly be hoping this winning spirit continues as they navigate the challenges of the second half of the season.
