De Graafschap vs Helmond Sport Match Recap - Nov 21, 2025

De Graafschap Dominates Helmond Sport 3-1: A Statement of Intent in the Eerste Divisie

De Graafschap's offensive prowess shines as they dismantle Helmond Sport, solidifying their playoff ambitions with a commanding 3-1 victory.

De Graafschap's recent form has been nothing short of impressive, and this match only reinforced their status as serious playoff contenders. With this victory, they have now won five of their last six matches, showcasing a potent attack that has scored 15 goals in that span. Arjen van der Heide, Othniël Raterink, and Reuven Niemeijer were instrumental in today's win, each contributing to a performance that highlighted their attacking depth and tactical discipline.

Helmond Sport's struggles continued, marking their third consecutive defeat. Despite showing flashes of potential in their previous matches, they have failed to convert opportunities into points. Their inability to maintain defensive solidity was evident once again, as they conceded three goals to a De Graafschap side that has been relentless in front of goal. The lone bright spot for Helmond was Lennerd Daneels, who converted a penalty but could not spark a comeback.

De Graafschap's attacking statistics tell a compelling story. They outshot Helmond Sport 20 to 16, with eight shots on target compared to Helmond's three. This dominance in the final third reflects their ability to create high-quality chances, a trend that has been consistent throughout their recent matches. The midfield trio of Teun Gijselhart, Ibrahim El Kadiri, and Jason Meerstadt controlled the tempo, allowing De Graafschap to dictate play and exploit gaps in Helmond's defense.

Helmond Sport's possession statistics reveal a contrasting narrative. They held 51% of the ball but struggled to translate that into meaningful attacks. Their passing accuracy of 83% was commendable, yet it lacked the incisiveness needed to break down De Graafschap's organized defense. The absence of creativity in the final third has been a recurring theme for Helmond, and today was no exception. They managed only three shots on target, highlighting their difficulties in converting possession into scoring opportunities.

The match also showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams' key players. Reuven Niemeijer, who has been in sensational form, added another goal to his tally, bringing his season total to eight. His ability to find space and finish clinically has made him a focal point in De Graafschap's attack. In contrast, Helmond's Labinot Bajrami, despite being a consistent scorer earlier in the season, struggled to make an impact today and was largely kept quiet by De Graafschap's defense.

Defensively, De Graafschap's backline, anchored by Ties Wieggers, proved resilient against Helmond's sporadic attacks. They limited Helmond to just three shots on target and effectively neutralized their threats. This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of De Graafschap's recent performances, allowing them to build momentum as they push for a playoff spot.

The implications of this match extend beyond just the scoreline. De Graafschap now sits comfortably in seventh place with 22 points, while Helmond Sport remains in twelfth with 19 points. The gap between these two teams reflects the growing disparity in form and confidence. De Graafschap is on an upward trajectory, while Helmond must regroup quickly to avoid further slipping down the standings.

Looking ahead, De Graafschap will face ADO Den Haag next, where they will aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Helmond Sport will host Jong Ajax, desperately seeking to turn their fortunes around before the season slips further away from them.

This match served as a clear reminder of the importance of consistency in performance and execution. De Graafschap's ability to capitalize on their chances while maintaining defensive discipline sets them apart as they navigate the challenges of the Eerste Divisie. For Helmond Sport, the need for a tactical rethink is evident if they hope to salvage their season and avoid further disappointment.