ADO Den Haag vs De Graafschap Match Recap - Nov 25, 2025

ADO Den Haag Survives Late Scare to Edge De Graafschap 3-2 in Thrilling Encounter

ADO Den Haag continues its unbeaten run, now at 14 matches, with a hard-fought victory over De Graafschap. The match showcased the resilience of ADO, who bounced back from their first defeat of the season just days prior. This win solidifies their position at the top of the Eerste Divisie, now boasting 40 points, while De Graafschap remains in seventh place with 22 points.

Jari Vlak emerged as a key figure for ADO Den Haag, scoring twice and demonstrating his importance in the midfield. His performance was a stark contrast to the previous match against Cambuur, where ADO struggled to convert chances despite dominating possession and shots. Vlak's ability to find the net not only highlights his scoring prowess but also reflects ADO's need for consistent offensive output as they aim for promotion.

De Graafschap's Bouke Boersma was another standout, netting both of his team's goals and showcasing his attacking capabilities. His brace underlined De Graafschap's potential to capitalize on counterattacks, a strategy they have employed effectively in recent matches. Despite the loss, Boersma's form is promising as he continues to be a focal point in their attack.

Statistically, ADO Den Haag dominated the match with 63% possession and 20 total shots, compared to De Graafschap's 12. This dominance in possession allowed ADO to dictate the pace of the game, a tactic they have relied on throughout the season. Their pass accuracy of 86% further emphasizes their control, as they completed 514 passes to De Graafschap's 314. This efficiency in ball distribution is crucial for maintaining pressure on opponents.

Defensively, ADO Den Haag faced challenges, particularly in dealing with set pieces and counterattacks. De Graafschap's two goals came from quick transitions that caught ADO off guard. The defensive unit will need to tighten up moving forward, especially against teams that can exploit gaps during transitions. The even foul count of 11 each indicates a physical match, but ADO's four yellow cards suggest they were perhaps more aggressive than necessary at times.

Recent form for both teams sets an intriguing backdrop for this encounter. ADO Den Haag had been on a scoring spree prior to their loss against Cambuur, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Roda. This match served as a reminder that even dominant teams can falter if they fail to convert chances. The pressure was on them to respond positively, and they did so with a strong offensive display against De Graafschap.

De Graafschap entered this match riding a wave of momentum after three consecutive wins, including an impressive 3-1 victory over Helmond Sport. Their recent form suggested they could challenge ADO Den Haag, and they proved capable of doing just that. The ability to score two goals against the league leaders reflects their attacking potential and resilience.

Looking ahead, ADO Den Haag will face VVV Venlo next, where maintaining their unbeaten streak will be paramount. They must build on this victory and address defensive lapses to ensure continued success. For De Graafschap, the upcoming match against FC Eindhoven presents an opportunity to bounce back and regain momentum after this narrow defeat.

The narrative of this match encapsulates the ongoing battle for supremacy in the Eerste Divisie. ADO Den Haag's ability to secure points despite challenges speaks volumes about their character and determination. Meanwhile, De Graafschap's performance indicates they are not to be underestimated as they continue to fight for playoff positioning. The league remains competitive, and every match will be crucial as teams jockey for position heading into the latter stages of the season.