N.E.C. Nijmegen kicks off its 2026–2027 Eredivisie preparation with a friendly against Sevilla FC on Friday, 31 July at 19:00 in Goffertstadion. The home side, which finished third last season, faces a strong European opponent in its first pre-season test.
What is the context of this match?
Sevilla FC, managed by Luis García Plaza, is in the Netherlands from 30 July to 7 August for a training camp. In addition to the match against N.E.C. Nijmegen, the Spanish side will also play FC Utrecht and Bayer Leverkusen. N.E.C. Nijmegen, which secured a UEFA Champions League spot last season, hosts Sevilla in a game with reduced stadium capacity and no away fan tickets.
Why does this friendly matter for N.E.C. Nijmegen?
This match gives N.E.C. Nijmegen a chance to test itself against a high-level European team. Sevilla, a regular in the UEFA Europa League, uses the game to fine-tune its pre-season preparations. For N.E.C. Nijmegen, it is an opportunity to build fitness and refine tactics ahead of the new campaign.
What are the expectations for N.E.C. Nijmegen?
After finishing third in the Eredivisie and qualifying for the Champions League, N.E.C. Nijmegen has set high goals. The friendly against Sevilla shows the club’s ambition to compete with top teams. The 31 July match is the first step in preparing for a demanding season in both the league and Europe.
