Feyenoord vs NEC Nijmegen Match Recap - Nov 23, 2025

NEC Nijmegen Stuns Feyenoord with a 4-2 Victory, Exposing Defensive Frailties

NEC Nijmegen's 4-2 triumph over Feyenoord at De Kuip marks a significant turning point for both teams, with the visitors capitalizing on defensive lapses from the home side. This result not only boosts NEC's confidence but also raises questions about Feyenoord's title aspirations after a string of disappointing performances.

NEC Nijmegen showcased their attacking prowess, with Koki Shiogai emerging as a standout performer, netting two goals. This follows a recent trend where NEC has demonstrated resilience and efficiency in front of goal, particularly in their last five matches where they scored multiple goals in three of them. Their ability to convert chances has been pivotal, as evidenced by their 17 total shots against Feyenoord, compared to the home side's 15.

Feyenoord's recent form has been troubling, with this match marking their third consecutive defeat across all competitions. The defensive frailties that have plagued them were on full display, as they conceded four goals despite having a higher expected goals (xG) of 2.25 compared to NEC's 1.94. This discrepancy highlights a concerning trend: while they create opportunities, they struggle to convert them into tangible results.

Ayase Ueda, who has been a key figure for Feyenoord this season, found himself largely isolated throughout the match. His inability to influence the game was compounded by the lack of support from midfield, particularly from Quinten Timber and Luciano Valente, who failed to dominate the central areas as anticipated. This lack of control allowed NEC to exploit spaces effectively, leading to their decisive counter-attacks.

NEC's tactical setup proved effective against Feyenoord's aggressive approach. The visitors managed to absorb pressure while remaining dangerous on the break, a strategy that paid off handsomely. Their midfielders, particularly Noe Lebreton, played crucial roles in transitioning from defense to attack, contributing significantly to the scoreline. The combination of disciplined defending and opportunistic attacking has become a hallmark of NEC's recent performances.

Feyenoord's possession statistics (51% vs 49%) suggest they had control of the ball but failed to translate that into meaningful chances. Their pass accuracy of 81% indicates they were able to maintain possession but lacked the incisiveness needed to break down NEC's organized defense. The home side's reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has become increasingly apparent, raising concerns about their tactical flexibility.

The match also highlighted the importance of set pieces, where Feyenoord had an advantage with five corner kicks compared to NEC's three. However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities, further emphasizing their struggles in critical moments. The inability to convert set pieces into goals has been a recurring theme for Feyenoord this season, undermining their attacking efforts.

Leo Sauer, who scored for Feyenoord just before halftime, provided a brief glimmer of hope for the home side. Yet, his goal was overshadowed by NEC's relentless response, which included two late strikes from Shiogai that sealed the victory. This pattern of conceding immediately after scoring has become a worrying trend for Feyenoord, indicating a lack of mental resilience within the squad.

NEC Nijmegen's victory not only boosts their league position but also serves as a statement of intent as they eye European qualification. With this win, they move up to seventh place in the Eredivisie standings, showcasing their potential to challenge for higher honors if they maintain this form. The confidence gained from this match could be crucial as they prepare for their next fixture against Sparta Rotterdam.

Feyenoord now faces a critical juncture in their season. With upcoming matches against lower-ranked teams like Telstar, they must regroup quickly to avoid further slip-ups that could jeopardize their title ambitions. The pressure is mounting on coach Robin van Persie to find solutions to the defensive issues that have plagued his team in recent weeks.

The contrasting trajectories of these two teams highlight the unpredictable nature of football. NEC Nijmegen's resurgence contrasts sharply with Feyenoord's struggles, making this match a pivotal moment in both teams' seasons. As the Eredivisie campaign progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and both teams will need to adapt quickly to stay competitive in this tightly contested league.