Willumsson’s Stoppage-Time Stunner Seals 2-2 NEC Nijmegen Comeback

NEC Nijmegen snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie’s 9th round as Willum Thor Willumsson’s stoppage-time strike completed a comeback that defied belief after Mitchel Bakker’s 90th-minute penalty miss.

The Goffert Stadium erupted in disbelief when Bakker blazed over from the spot after VAR awarded NEC a lifeline, but Perr Schuurs’ inch-perfect cross found Willumsson to break Fortuna hearts with virtually the last kick.

Fortuna Sittard Punish on the Break

Anthony Descotte announced himself after 18 minutes, latching onto Rodrigo Guth’s through ball to slot under Gauthier Crettaz. The Belgian striker doubled Fortuna’s lead three minutes after half-time, finishing clinically after Shiloh ‘t Zand’s threaded pass – his last contribution before being substituted.

NEC Nijmegen’s Relentless Pressure

Kevin Kers’ 28th-minute equaliser – a vicious 18-yard drive after Dennis Geiger’s lay-off – hinted at the onslaught to come. Nijmegen peppered the Fortuna box with 24 shots, 13 corners, and 74% possession, but found goalkeeper Mike Branderhorst in inspired form with five saves.

The woodwork denied Kaj Sierhuis twice as NEC’s xG of 3.06 told the story of dominance against Fortuna’s meagre 0.45. Dick Schreuder’s triple substitution on 63 minutes – introducing Sierhuis, Adam Tahaui and Mitchel Bakker – cranked the pressure to unbearable levels.

The Unthinkable Denouement

When VAR spotted a handball with 88 minutes played, Bakker stepped up only to sky his penalty. But Schuurs’ raking diagonal in the 93rd minute found Willumsson, who chested down and volleyed past Branderhorst to spark scenes of utter bedlam.

The result leaves NEC unbeaten in four, while Fortuna Sittard’s winless run extends to six games. For Nijmegen fans, this felt like victory. For Fortuna, it was a brutal reminder of football’s cruelty.

Key Moments

18′ ⚽ Fortuna Sittard — Anthony Descotte (assist: Rodrigo Guth)

28′ ⚽ NEC Nijmegen — Kevin Kers (assist: Dennis Geiger)

48′ ⚽ Fortuna Sittard — Anthony Descotte (assist: Shiloh 't Zand)

90+3′ ⚽ NEC Nijmegen — Willum Thor Willumsson (assist: Perr Schuurs)