NEC Nijmegen
NEC Nijmegen snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Excelsior in the Eredivisie’s third round, with Noe Lebreton’s stoppage-time strike salvaging a point after Valentin Sulzbacher had looked to have won it for the visitors. The Goffertstadion erupted in relief after a late surge from Dick Schreuder’s side saved a match that had looked destined for an Excelsior victory.
NEC Nijmegen Strike Early
The home side started brightly and were rewarded after just 10 minutes. Adam Tahaui found the net with a clinical finish, assisted by Willum Thor Willumsson, sending the NEC fans into early delirium. However, Jamiro Monteiro’s yellow card just four minutes in signaled the start of a scrappy encounter.
Excelsior Fight Back
Despite NEC’s early dominance, Excelsior clawed their way back into the match. David Garden leveled the scores in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Irakli Yegoian. Both sides made substitutions at halftime, with NEC bringing on Philippe Sandler and Perr Schuurs for Bram Nuytinck and Jamiro Monteiro.
Excelsior Take the Lead
Excelsior’s Valentin Sulzbacher thought he had won it for the visitors in the 73rd minute, finishing off a slick move involving Aymen Sliti. The goal silenced the Goffertstadion, leaving NEC staring down the barrel of a heartbreaking defeat.
Lebreton’s Late Heroics
But in stoppage time, Noe Lebreton emerged as the hero, firing home from Perr Schuurs’ assist to spark wild celebrations among the NEC faithful. The late goal ensured the points were shared, leaving Excelsior’s players crestfallen after coming so close to victory.
What This Means for Both Teams
The result leaves NEC Nijmegen with five points from their first three games, while Excelsior now have two points. For NEC, the late equalizer will provide a massive morale boost, while Excelsior will rue their inability to hold on for the win. Both teams now turn their attention to matchday 4, with NEC looking to build on their momentum and Excelsior desperate to secure their first victory of the season.
Key Moments
10′ ⚽ NEC Nijmegen — Adam Tahaui (assist: Willum Thor Willumsson)
43′ ⚽ Excelsior — David Garden (assist: Irakli Yegoian)
73′ ⚽ Excelsior — Valentin Sulzbacher (assist: Aymen sliti)
90+2′ ⚽ NEC Nijmegen — Noe Lebreton (assist: Perr Schuurs)
