FC Volendam vs NEC Nijmegen Match Recap - Dec 7, 2025

NEC Nijmegen Outlasts FC Volendam in Thrilling 3-2 Encounter

NEC Nijmegen's resilience shines through as they edge out FC Volendam 3-2, solidifying their position in the top tier of the Eredivisie. This match encapsulated the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Nijmegen continuing their upward trajectory while Volendam remains mired in a relegation battle.

NEC Nijmegen's recent form has been nothing short of impressive, boasting four wins in their last five matches. The attacking prowess of Koki Ogawa and Bryan Linssen has been pivotal, with Ogawa scoring twice against Sparta Rotterdam just days prior to this fixture. Their ability to create chances was evident again, as they dominated possession with 62% against Volendam, reflecting their control over the game.

FC Volendam's struggles were apparent once more, despite a spirited effort. They have now managed only one win in their last five outings, and this match continued a troubling trend of defensive lapses. The team conceded three goals, bringing their total to 12 goals against in their last five league matches. This defensive frailty has left them vulnerable, as evidenced by their inability to contain NEC's attacking threats.

The midfield battle was crucial, with NEC's Darko Nejašmić and Sami Ouaissa orchestrating play effectively. Their combined efforts led to a significant advantage in passing accuracy, with NEC completing 86% of their passes compared to Volendam's 76%. This disparity allowed Nijmegen to maintain pressure and create more scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Volendam's attack showed glimpses of potential, particularly through Brandley Kuwas, who converted a penalty just before halftime. However, their overall offensive output remains concerning; they managed only eight total shots, with just three on target. This lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring issue for Volendam, who have struggled to convert chances into goals consistently.

The late surge from Volendam, capped by Mawouna Amevor's goal in stoppage time, showcased their fighting spirit but ultimately fell short. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.47 suggests they had opportunities to score more, yet they failed to capitalize on key moments. This inconsistency in execution continues to haunt them as they fight to escape the relegation zone.

NEC's tactical approach under coach Dick Schreuder has proven effective, particularly their use of wingbacks to stretch the opposition. The formation allowed them to exploit space effectively, leading to multiple corner kicks-eight in total-compared to Volendam's four. This strategy not only created scoring chances but also kept Volendam's defense under constant pressure.

The match also highlighted the importance of discipline; NEC received three yellow cards while Volendam remained unbooked. This reflects a more aggressive approach from Nijmegen, which can be both a strength and a weakness depending on how it is managed in future fixtures.

Looking ahead, NEC Nijmegen will face Telstar next, where they will aim to build on this momentum and solidify their place among the league's elite. Meanwhile, FC Volendam must regroup quickly before their upcoming clash against Groningen. With only 14 points from 14 matches, every game is critical for their survival hopes.

The narrative of this match extends beyond the scoreline; it encapsulates the ongoing struggles of FC Volendam against a backdrop of rising expectations for NEC Nijmegen. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt and evolve if they hope to achieve their respective goals-survival for Volendam and contention for European spots for Nijmegen.