NEC Shows Resilience in Hard-Fought Draw Against FC Twente Despite Missed Chances

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands — NEC Nijmegen may have left points on the pitch at the Grolsch Veste Saturday, but the club’s ability to recover from early struggles and dominate the second half against FC Twente has kept its European ambitions very much alive. A 1-1 draw in the Eredivisie match on April 25, 2026, was not the result head coach Dick Schreuder had hoped for, but the performance — particularly after halftime — left him proud of his team’s resilience and tactical execution.

First Half Struggles, Then a Shift

NEC came into the match still stinging from its 5-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Beker final just three days earlier. That emotional defeat appeared to weigh on the squad early, as FC Twente controlled possession and created chances in the opening 20 minutes. Schreuder later admitted his team struggled to cope with Twente’s passing in the middle third of the pitch.

“In the first 20 minutes, we had it difficult,” Schreuder said in his post-match analysis. “We weren’t good in the passing on the half of Twente. In the last quarter of the first half, I thought we got stronger. We looked fresh.”

That late surge in the first half set the stage for a second-half transformation. Schreuder made tactical adjustments at halftime, urging his players to rotate positions more fluidly rather than remain static. The change paid off, as NEC took control of the match and created several clear scoring opportunities — none of which were converted into the game-winning goal.

Missed Chances in the Second Half

After the break, NEC was the aggressor, pressing high and forcing Twente into defensive errors. The Nijmegen side nearly took the lead on multiple occasions, but poor finishing and a resilient Twente defense kept the score level. Schreuder acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the importance of the team’s response.

“I don’t know if we should have won here, but if we had, everyone would have said it was deserved,” he said. “What pleases me most is how we come back. In the first 20 minutes, there was maybe some emotional fatigue from Sunday. It was dramatic, but if you see how we come back…”

The draw was a testament to NEC’s character, particularly given the short turnaround from the cup final. Schreuder praised his squad’s mental toughness, noting that other teams might have settled for a point after going 1-1. Instead, NEC continued to push for a winner, nearly shutting out Twente’s attack in the second half.

Tactical Surprise: Sandler as Midfielder

Schreuder made an unexpected tactical decision by deploying Philippe Sandler as a defensive midfielder. The move was designed to disrupt Twente’s short passing game, which often targeted its striker. Sandler’s ability to intercept passes forced Twente into longer, less controlled balls — an area where NEC’s Bram Nuytinck excelled.

“We know that Twente quickly chooses for a pass along the ground toward the striker,” Schreuder explained. “Philippe is very smart in taking those balls out, which made them opt for the long ball more quickly. We had Bram Nuytinck for that and he’s very strong in that area anyway. Philippe can play anywhere when he’s in good form.”

The adjustment worked, as NEC regained control of the midfield and limited Twente’s opportunities. The only real threat to NEC’s goal came from a late corner in stoppage time, which was cleared without incident.

European Ambitions Still Intact

The draw keeps NEC in the hunt for European qualification, a goal that seemed unlikely earlier in the season. The club currently sits in the top half of the Eredivisie table, with several teams still vying for the second and third spots that would secure continental football next season. Schreuder, but, remains focused on his team’s performance rather than the standings.

“I’m not so concerned with the top clubs,” he said. “They should have played for the championship, but now they’re around us. We necessitate to take advantage of that position. Actually, it’s not normal how we play on the road at Twente, by NEC standards. That’s why I’m proud of how the guys execute it.”

NEC’s ability to perform at a high level away from home has been a key factor in its resurgence this season. The club has shown resilience in tough environments, and Saturday’s match was no exception. Whereas the result was not ideal, the performance demonstrated that NEC is capable of competing with the league’s best.

What’s Next for NEC?

NEC’s next match is a home game against RKC Waalwijk on May 3, 2026. The club will look to build on its second-half performance against Twente and secure all three points to keep its European hopes alive. With only a few matches remaining in the Eredivisie season, every point will be crucial in the race for qualification.

Schreuder’s message to his team is clear: “We never travel for a point.” That mentality has defined NEC’s season, and it will need to continue if the club hopes to achieve its goals.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: NEC recovered from a slow start and dominated the second half, nearly securing all three points.
• Missed Opportunities: The team created several clear chances but failed to convert, leaving Schreuder frustrated but proud of the effort.
• Tactical Innovation: Schreuder’s decision to deploy Sandler as a midfielder disrupted Twente’s passing game and gave NEC control of the midfield.
• European Ambitions: The draw keeps NEC in the hunt for European qualification, with a few key matches remaining in the season.
• Mental Toughness: Despite the emotional toll of the cup final loss, NEC showed character by continuing to push for a winner rather than settling for a draw.

FAQ

What was the final score of the FC Twente vs. NEC match?

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Why did NEC struggle early in the match?

NEC came into the match still reeling from its 5-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Beker final three days earlier. The emotional toll of that defeat appeared to affect the team’s performance in the opening 20 minutes.

What tactical adjustment did Schreuder make at halftime?

Schreuder urged his players to rotate positions more fluidly rather than remain static. This change helped NEC take control of the match in the second half.

Who was the standout player for NEC?

Philippe Sandler had a strong performance as a defensive midfielder, disrupting Twente’s passing game and forcing them into longer, less controlled balls.

What are NEC’s chances of qualifying for European football?

NEC remains in the hunt for European qualification, though the race is tight. The club will need to secure points in its remaining matches to achieve its goal.

When is NEC’s next match?

NEC’s next match is a home game against RKC Waalwijk on May 3, 2026.

What did you think of NEC’s performance against FC Twente? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!