N.E.C. Nijmegen has qualified for the Champions League qualifiers for the first time in club history. Finishing third in the 2025/26 Eredivisie under manager Dick Schreuder, they stand on the brink of a historic campaign. The team, without Basar Onal but with Emre Mor, Perr Schuurs, Tobias Storm, Jamiro Monteiro, and Clement Bischoff, begins their journey against Olympiacos.
What awaits N.E.C. Nijmegen in the qualifiers?
The third qualifying round sees N.E.C. Nijmegen face Olympiacos on August 4. The Greek giants, winners of the 2023/24 Conference League, finished second in the Super League and struggled in the Championship Group. Last season, Olympiacos reached the Champions League knockout stage but lost to Bayer Leverkusen.
The first leg is on August 4 at 19.00 CEST in Greece, with the return on August 11 at 19.00 CEST in Nijmegen.
What if N.E.C. Nijmegen wins or loses?
A win means progression to the play-off round, with the opponent announced on August 3. A loss sends them to the Europa League play-offs. Defeat in the Champions League play-offs leads to the Europa League, and a loss there to the Conference League.
How far can N.E.C. Nijmegen go?
With their aggressive attacking style and a team full of talent, N.E.C. Nijmegen has a realistic chance of reaching the group stage. It’s a unique opportunity to test themselves against Europe’s elite.
