Willum Willumsson earned NEC Nijmegen a dramatic point with a stoppage-time header against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday. Rogier Meijer's side came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw at the Goffertstadion. This result from Saturday 17 October followed a 1-1 draw with Levski Sofia on Thursday 15 October and is part of a recent run of zero wins, four draws and one defeat in their last five matches.

Anthony Descotte put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute following a pass from Rodrigo Guth. Kevin Kers equalised ten minutes later, assisted by Dennis Geiger from a corner. Descotte headed Fortuna back in front shortly after half-time from a Shiloh 't Zand cross. NEC, who dominated with 74% possession and 24 attempts, had a golden chance in the 90th minute when a handball by Guth was penalised after a VAR review. Mitchel Bakker took the spot-kick, but Fortuna goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst saved it.

"What an important save by Branderhorst!" the goalkeeper said afterwards.

The save looked decisive, but in the third minute of added time, substitute Willumsson finally headed home from a Perr Schuurs corner. It was NEC's fourth consecutive Eredivisie draw, following earlier 1-1 results against Levski Sofia, Ajax and GO Ahead Eagles. The team now sits 12th in the standings.

Meijer introduced Schuurs, Willumsson, Tahaui, Sierhuis and Bakker in the second half to increase the pressure. Fortuna Sittard, who managed only five shots on target, held firm with 49 clearances. NEC must now quickly shift focus to European competition. The team travels to Croatia on Tuesday for a Europa League away fixture against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday 22 October. Their attack will continue to rely on top scorer T. Chery, who has four goals in seven appearances this season.

Background and full detail: OneFootball

The club's official match statistics confirm NEC's dominant role in the 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard. NEC had 74% possession and took 24 shots, compared to the visitors' five. The team forced thirteen corners and created an expected goals (xG) value of 3.06. Fortuna Sittard received two yellow cards, for Shiloh 't Zand and Rodrigo Guth. NEC travels on Thursday 22 October for a Europa League match at Dinamo Zagreb, kicking off at 18:45 local time.