N.E.C. Nijmegen played out a 2-2 draw with Excelsior in the Eredivisie on Tuesday 8 September. Manager Dick Schreuder's side took the lead twice but were pegged back on both occasions by the Rotterdam outfit.
Line-up and flow
Schreuder opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, while his counterpart Ruben den Uil started with a 3-4-3 system. A. Tahaui opened the scoring for NEC after eleven minutes, assisted by W. T. Willumsson. Excelsior equalised before half-time through D. Garden. In the second half, V. Sulzbacher even put the visitors ahead, but N. Lebreton rescued a point for NEC in the final minute with a goal assisted by P. Schuurs.
Statistical picture
NEC dominated possession with 69.1 percent and completed 673 passes with an 85.9 percent accuracy rate. Excelsior were more efficient in front of goal, registering five shots on target to NEC's three. The home side received one yellow card, while Excelsior were shown three. The match referee was Erwin Blank, assisted by VAR Laurens Gerrets.
This result followed a 3-0 defeat to Cambuur on 12 September, a scoreline that reflects NEC's recent form of two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five matches. The team now sits tenth in the standings with seven points. The full schedule of upcoming fixtures is available on the fixtures page.
Previous meetings between these clubs had been convincing for NEC, with earlier 5-0 and 3-0 victories. This draw, however, means Excelsior, who were sixth before the match, have maintained their points gap. NEC must now focus on improving defensive organisation in the closing stages of games.
