Den Bosch vs Almere City FC Match Recap - Nov 21, 2025

Den Bosch Dominates Almere City FC in a 5-2 Thrashing

Den Bosch's emphatic 5-2 victory over Almere City FC not only solidifies their position in the Eerste Divisie but also highlights the stark contrast in form between the two teams. This match showcased Den Bosch's attacking prowess, with Nick de Groot and Ilias Boumassaoudi emerging as key figures, while Almere's defensive frailties were laid bare once again.

Den Bosch's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but this match marks a significant high point. With seven wins now in their last 15 matches, they are beginning to find their rhythm. The offensive display against Almere was particularly impressive, as they managed 16 total shots compared to Almere's 10, demonstrating their ability to create opportunities consistently. This performance is a continuation of their recent trend, where they have outperformed opponents in terms of shots and possession.

Kévin Monzialo, who has been pivotal for Den Bosch, continued his fine form by contributing significantly to the attack. His ability to link up play and create chances was evident throughout the match. Monzialo's presence on the field has been crucial; he leads the team with 10 goals this season and has shown an increasing tendency to involve teammates, which was evident in this match as well.

Almere City FC's struggles were compounded by their inability to maintain defensive discipline. Despite a recent resurgence that included a 4-0 win against MVV, they fell back into old habits against Den Bosch. The team has now conceded 12 goals in their last five matches, a statistic that underscores their defensive vulnerabilities. The red card issued to Jonas Wendlinger only exacerbated their woes, leaving them exposed at the back during critical moments.

Julian Rijkhoff, who had been a bright spot for Almere with his recent scoring form, managed to find the net but could not inspire a comeback. His goal came at a time when Almere needed to build momentum, but it ultimately proved insufficient against Den Bosch's relentless attack. Rijkhoff's inconsistency has been a concern; while he scored twice in the previous match against MVV, he has struggled to maintain that level of performance consistently.

Den Bosch's midfield control was another decisive factor in the match. They dominated possession with 56%, allowing them to dictate the pace and flow of the game. This control was reflected in their passing accuracy of 81%, which significantly outperformed Almere's 78%. The ability to retain possession and create meaningful chances is a hallmark of Den Bosch's recent success, and it was on full display against Almere.

The tactical setup employed by Den Bosch allowed them to exploit Almere's weaknesses effectively. With a formation that emphasized width and quick transitions, they were able to stretch Almere's defense and create space for their attackers. This strategy paid dividends as they capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring multiple times from well-executed counter-attacks.

Almere's recent form had suggested they were turning a corner, but this defeat raises questions about their ability to compete against stronger sides. Their last five matches now reflect a troubling trend: three losses and only two wins. The inconsistency in performance is alarming for coach Jeroen Rijsdijk, who must find a way to stabilize his squad ahead of their next fixture against VVV Venlo.

The implications of this match extend beyond just the scoreline. Den Bosch's victory propels them into contention for playoff spots, while Almere finds themselves further entrenched in the relegation battle. With only 17 points from 15 matches, they must quickly regroup if they hope to avoid slipping further down the standings.

Looking ahead, Den Bosch will face Jong Utrecht next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. Their attacking players are finding form at the right time, and if they can maintain this level of performance, they could very well challenge for a playoff position as the season progresses.

Almere City FC must address their defensive issues before their upcoming match. The pressure is mounting on Rijsdijk and his players to deliver results that can lift them out of the relegation zone. The team needs to find a balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity if they are to turn their fortunes around.

This match serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football; while Den Bosch capitalized on their chances and showcased their attacking depth, Almere City FC must confront their shortcomings head-on if they wish to salvage their season.