In a crucial battle for survival in the Eredivisie, PEC Zwolle emerged victorious against NAC Breda with a 1-3 scoreline on May 4, 2025. The win puts Zwolle in a strong position, now nine points clear of the relegation zone, while NAC finds itself still in peril, unable to secure safety with three matches remaining.
PEC Zwolle took to the field at the Rat Verlegh Stadion without their head coach Johnny Jansen, who was sidelined due to illness. Assistant coach Henry van der Vegt stepped in to lead the team, maintaining the same lineup that had been performing steadily in recent weeks.
The first half of the match was marked by a fierce contest, with both teams pushing for an opening goal. Filip Krastev had an early chance for Zwolle, weaving through defenders but ultimately failing to find the net. NAC Breda, too, had its moments of danger, as Sidney van Hooijdonk and Clint Leemans both tested Zwolle's goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar, who was resolute in keeping a clean sheet before halftime.
As the second half kicked off, PEC Zwolle intensified their efforts. Unfortunately, they lost forward Dylan Vente to injury just a minute into the half, with Ody Velanas coming on as his replacement. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Younes Namli, the captain, showcased his skill by cutting inside and slotting the ball into the far corner, putting Zwolle ahead 0-1. This goal marked Namli's first since January 2024, a much-needed boost for both him and the team.
Despite taking the lead, Zwolle struggled to extend their advantage. Davy van den Berg hit the post shortly after Namli's goal, and Velanas had a golden opportunity to double the lead but missed the target from a promising position. However, with about ten minutes left in the match, Velanas redeemed himself by scoring the 0-2 goal against his former club, effectively sealing the victory for Zwolle.
In injury time, Kaj de Rooij, another former NAC player, added a third goal, making it 0-3 and further solidifying PEC Zwolle's dominance in the match. Although Kacper Kostorz managed to score a consolation goal for NAC in the dying moments, the result was already beyond doubt, ending the match at 1-3.
The victory was celebrated by the 18,803 spectators in attendance, who witnessed a gritty performance from PEC Zwolle. The win not only boosts Zwolle's chances of staying in the top flight but also adds pressure on NAC Breda, who now sit seven points above the relegation zone and face an uphill battle to secure their own safety.
As the dust settles on this match, PEC Zwolle will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge: the IJsselderby against Go Ahead Eagles on May 11, 2025, at 12:15 PM. However, they will have to navigate that game without Anouar El Azzouzi, who received a yellow card and will be suspended for that crucial encounter.
Overall, PEC Zwolle's performance against NAC Breda was a testament to their resilience and determination as they strive for survival in the Eredivisie. With the right mindset and continued effort, they seem well on their way to securing their place in the league for another season.
