N.E.C. Nijmegen secured a significant European victory with a 4-2 win away to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday. This win from Thursday 22 October follows a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard last Sunday. The triumph in the third round of the Europa League league stage keeps the Dutch side firmly in contention.
Clement Bischoff put NEC ahead after 25 minutes following a pass from Noe Lebreton. Dinamo Zagreb quickly turned the game around with two goals from Dion Drena Beljo in the 33rd and 37th minutes. Just before half-time, Bryan Linssen, assisted by Bischoff, equalised. Linssen put NEC ahead again in the 54th minute, this time set up by Darko Nejašmić, and Tjaronn Chery made it 4-2 ten minutes from time. In the earlier draw with Fortuna Sittard, the goals came from Kevin Kers and Willum Thor Willumsson.
Line-up
Dick Schreuder opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation with G. Crettaz in goal. The defence consisted of P. Schuurs, A. Kaplan and Deveron Fonville. The midfield featured T. Storm, D. Nejašmić, D. Geiger and Clement Bischoff, behind the attacking duo of T. Chery and N. Lebreton. Bryan Linssen led the line.
The Nijmegen side showed resilience after the setback and were clinical in front of goal. The statistics show NEC enjoyed less possession (42%) than the hosts (58%) but were more direct, with five shots on target from fifteen attempts. Goalkeeper Crettaz made seven saves. The team is now unbeaten in their last five official matches, a run consisting of one win and four draws. That run began with a 1-1 draw against GO Ahead Eagles and also includes a 1-1 draw with Levski Sofia and a 1-1 draw at Ajax.
NEC now returns to Eredivisie action, with a key home match against FC Groningen scheduled for Sunday 25 October. That game at the Goffertstadion kicks off at 14:30. The full NEC squad is ready for this busy schedule.
