Helmond Sport vs PEC Zwolle Match Recap - Oct 28, 2025

In a dramatic evening of football at the GS Staalwerken Stadion, PEC Zwolle proved their resilience, overpowering Helmond Sport 4-1 in the second preliminary round of the KNVB Beker on October 28, 2025. The win not only adds a much-needed boost to Zwolle's confidence but also serves as a stark reminder of Helmond's struggles this season.

The match kicked off with an early shock as Lennerd Daneels put Helmond Sport ahead with a goal in the fifth minute. The hosts appeared to seize the momentum, but it was not long before Zwolle asserted their dominance. Kaj de Rooij found the equalizer in the 22nd minute, setting the stage for a riveting contest. Just ten minutes later, Shola Shoretire struck, giving Zwolle a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish.

With Helmond's defense reeling, Zwolle continued to apply pressure, consistently threatening to extend their lead. The turning point came in the second half when Thijs Oosting, who had already been lively throughout, scored a brace with goals in the 74th and 84th minutes. His clinical finishing underscored a dominant performance by a team desperate to turn their season around.

This triumph comes as a welcome relief for PEC Zwolle, who entered the match struggling in the Eredivisie, with a disappointing run of one draw and four losses in their last five outings. Fans had been anxious after a particularly heavy 0-4 defeat to PSV Eindhoven just weeks ago; however, this victory may serve as a springboard for the team as they look to regain form in the league.

For Helmond Sport, the defeat is a stark continuation of their current woes. Despite a vibrant start and flashes of offensive brilliance in their recent matches, including a 4-2 win against Jong AZ, they have been unable to find consistency. Coach Kees van Wonderen will now have to reassess his squad as they face the challenge of bouncing back from this loss, especially after two consecutive defeats prior to the cup tie.

In the broader context of the tournament, PEC Zwolle's victory secures their place in the next round, reviving aspirations for a successful cup run. For Helmond, however, the result raises urgent questions about their performance as they head back to league play, where they sit firmly entrenched in the battle for form.

Though my pre-match predictions seemed to lean in favor of a Helmond victory based on recent ups and downs, the reality exposed the depth of Zwolle's resolve. As both teams now shift focus back to league competition, the stakes are high, and the urgency to improve has never been clearer. For Zwolle, the path forward appears promising, while Helmond must find the spark to reignite their faltering campaign.