NEC Nijmegen vs Excelsior
On September 8, 2026, NEC Nijmegen and Excelsior played out a compelling fixture in the Eredivisie, delivering a match characterized by shifting momentum and late-game intensity. Both sides fought hard for control in a contest that stayed competitive from the opening whistle to the dying seconds.
Early goals and tactical tension
The home side, NEC Nijmegen, drew first blood in the 11th minute through Adam Tahaui, whose left-footed finish rewarded a sharp assist from Willum Willumsson. While the home crowd hoped for more, Excelsior maintained their composure, finding a crucial equalizer just before the break. In the 43rd minute, David Garden found the net with a right-footed strike, set up by Irakli Yegoian, ensuring both teams headed into the locker rooms on even terms.
The late rescue
The second half saw both managers turn to their benches to inject fresh energy into the match. The game reached a fever pitch in the 73rd minute when Valentin Sulzbacher put Excelsior in front, capitalising on an assist from Aymen Sliti. With time running out, NEC Nijmegen launched a final wave of pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 90+2 minute, as Noe Lebreton scored a dramatic equalizer with his left foot, assisted by Perr Schuurs. Despite a frantic finish, the match concluded with both sides sharing the spoils.
