Waalwijk vs Cambuur Match Recap - Oct 24, 2025

Waalwijk Ignites Upset as They Dominate Cambuur in Thrilling 4-2 Victory

In a stunning twist in the Eerste Divisie, Waalwijk turned the tables on Cambuur, delivering a commanding 4-2 victory at Mandemakers Stadion on Friday night. At the outset, Cambuur was riding high in the standings, understanding the significance of this match as a potential stepping stone toward promotion. However, it was Waalwijk's surge that illuminated the field, registered in the minds of both teams as a statement of intent.

In a pre-match preview that cast Cambuur as the likely victors, it is safe to say that many expected Waalwijk to struggle against the league leaders. Recent form suggested a crisis of confidence for Waalwijk-an inconsistent record that included just five wins out of twelve. Yet the home side approached the evening not with trepidation, but with determination and a sense of urgency that has often eluded them this season.

The opening half saw Jesper Uneken find the back of the net at the 40-minute mark, sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd. Just three minutes later, Roy Kuijpers doubled Waalwijk's lead, creating a 2-0 cushion before halftime. Cambuur, despite their solid standing at second in the league, appeared unsettled by this sudden onslaught, their previously free-flowing football stifled by Waalwijk's spirited showing.

After the break, Cambuur responded. Wiebe Kooistra marked his name on the scoresheet in the 56th minute, cutting Waalwijk's lead to 2-1 and stirring hope among the visiting supporters. Not to be outdone, Waalwijk's Tim van der Leij quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback with a well-placed shot in the 74th minute, extending the score to 3-1. Even as Remco Balk netted a second for Cambuur in the 67th minute, it was clear Waalwijk had their sights firmly set on a victory.

As the clock dwindled down, van der Leij sealed the game with his second goal in stoppage time (90'), putting the final score at 4-2 in favor of Waalwijk. The raucous cheers of the home crowd echoed through the stadium, a reflection of the team's resolve and renewed belief.

Today's result lifts Waalwijk to seventh in the league, with 18 points from 12 games, flickering a beacon of hope for their aspirations moving forward. For Cambuur, the defeat serves as a reminder that even in dominance, complacency can invite chaos, leaving them in second place with 27 points, but now aware of the certainty that ambition must be paired with performance.

As both teams move on from this match, Waalwijk aims to build on their spirited display, seeking consistency in the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Cambuur must regroup and reassess, ensuring this setback becomes a catalyst for resilience rather than a hurdle. In a league where each match's implications can redefine trajectories, both sides will carry the weight of this night forward-Waalwijk reveling in triumph, Cambuur reflecting on the fragility of their ambitions.