Vitesse Arnhem drove home a decisive 3-0 victory against Excelsior Rotterdam on Saturday, February 1, 2025, effectively demonstrating their strength on the road and leaving the home side stunned.
The match kicked off at Woudestein stadium, with Vitesse coming off three consecutive losses after the winter break, positioning them at risk just above the relegation zone. Boosted by their new owner, Timo Braasch, who watched from the stands, Vitesse came out strong, scoring twice within the first 16 minutes.
Bas Huisman opened the scoring at the 13-minute mark, placing his team on the front foot early. Just three minutes later, teammate Gyan de Regt doubled the lead, giving Vitesse an impressive edge and leaving Excelsior fans gasping for answers. “What is happening with Excelsior?” Huisman remarked after the second goal tossed the home team onto their back foot.
Despite Vitesse's commanding lead, Excelsior attempted to respond. They pressed hard, launching several attacking thrusts to close the gap. A notable moment came when Lance Duijvestijn volleyed toward the top corner, only to be met with a brilliant save by Vitesse goalkeeper Van Sas.
Supporters from the home side weren’t shy about voicing their discontent. Chants of “Shame on you!” echoed from the stands, expressing frustration at what seemed like a helpless effort from the team trailing 0-2. The home crowd's disappointment was palpable. Excelsior could not convert key opportunities, with several shots sailing over the crossbar or getting deflected away.
Vitesse controlled much of the match, capitalizing on mistakes. The players maintained their composure, registering skillful play and excellent ball management. On the defensive end, Vitesse held firm, thwarting Excelsior’s attempts to get back onto the scoreboard.
An aggressive second half saw Vitesse’s Irakli Yegoian score the third goal of the match at the 72nd minute, following a blunder from the Excelsior left-back, Arthur Zagre. Yegoian intercepted the ball, weaving around the goalie Raatsie, before sliding it effortlessly home. “What luxury for Vitesse,” commentators noted, as the match clearly tilted in their favor.
Throughout the final minutes, Vitesse's defensive line continued to stifle any efforts Excelsior put forth as they sought to avoid the embarrassment of being shut out.
The match concluded without any response from Excelsior, sealing their defeat at 0-3. The loss left the home team frustrated and its management pondering the next steps as they struggled to secure points against the lower-tiered competition.
Vitesse’s triumph at Woudestein not only boosts morale but also brings them closer to distancing themselves from the relegation battle. Rising to such expectations, they find themselves reveling under the spotlight—with fans hoping this victory is merely the first of many as they look to restore their season.