In a thrilling encounter at the Goffertstadion, NEC Nijmegen clinched a crucial victory over RKC Waalwijk, winning 2-1 on April 11, 2025. The match was particularly significant for both teams, as they are battling to avoid relegation from the Eredivisie. Bryan Linssen emerged as the hero for NEC, scoring the decisive goal in injury time, while RKC's Michiel Kramer had briefly equalized earlier in the match.
The game kicked off with a poignant moment, as players and fans observed a minute of silence in memory of the late football coach Leo Beenhakker, who passed away just the day before. This tribute set the tone for a match that would see both teams under immense pressure.
NEC faced an early setback when their captain, Bram Nuytinck, had to leave the pitch after just seven minutes due to a knee injury. Nuytinck's departure forced coach Rogier Meijer to make an early substitution, bringing in Basar Önal to fill the gap in defense. However, the home side quickly regained their composure, and after a shaky start, began to assert themselves.
Despite losing their captain, NEC found their rhythm, and Kento Shiogai came close to opening the scoring with several attempts, though none found the back of the net. The first half ended without any goals, but the second half brought immediate action.
Just fourteen seconds into the second half, Kodai Sano struck for NEC, smashing a loose ball into the far corner to give the home side a 1-0 lead. This goal energized the crowd and seemed to shift momentum in NEC's favor. However, RKC was not to be easily dismissed. They continued to press forward, looking for an equalizer.
As the match progressed, NEC's defensive woes deepened. Thomas Ouwejan and Lefteris Lyratzis both suffered injuries, leaving NEC with a makeshift backline. Still, they held firm until the 79th minute when RKC's Michiel Kramer found the net with a well-placed header, capitalizing on a superb cross from Mohamed Ihattaren. Kramer's goal leveled the score at 1-1, sending a wave of relief through the RKC camp.
With the match hanging in the balance, both teams pushed for a winner. NEC, knowing they needed the three points to distance themselves from the relegation zone, ramped up their offensive efforts. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments of the match.
In the 92nd minute, Linssen, who had come on as a substitute, scored the match-winning goal with a deft header from a cross delivered by Sontje Hansen. The Goffertstadion erupted in celebration as NEC took a 2-1 lead. This late goal not only secured the victory for NEC but also significantly boosted their hopes of qualifying for the European play-offs.
With this win, NEC climbed to tenth place in the Eredivisie, just one point behind SC Heerenveen, who occupy the eighth spot that grants access to European competition. Meanwhile, RKC remains at the bottom of the league table, facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
Looking ahead, NEC's schedule will not get any easier. They are set to face tough opponents in the coming weeks, including FC Utrecht, FC Groningen, sc Heerenveen, Feyenoord, and Go Ahead Eagles. Each of these matches will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position in the league and possibly secure a place in the play-offs.
Despite the victory, concerns linger for NEC as they cope with injuries to key players. The absence of Nuytinck, Ouwejan, and Lyratzis could pose significant challenges in their upcoming fixtures. Coach Meijer will need to strategize carefully to navigate through these difficulties while keeping the team's morale high.
As for RKC, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after they fought back to equalize. Coach Henk Fraser will have to motivate his players as they look to bounce back in their next match. With relegation looming, every point will be vital as they strive to secure their place in the Eredivisie.
In conclusion, NEC's dramatic win over RKC Waalwijk not only boosts their standing in the league but also underscores the unpredictable nature of the relegation battle. With both teams facing crucial matches ahead, the stakes could not be higher.
