Hera United W vs Excelsior W Match Recap - Dec 7, 2025

Hera United W and Excelsior W Share the Spoils in a Tense Stalemate

Hera United W's inability to convert possession into goals continues to haunt them, as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Excelsior W. This result leaves Hera in eighth place with just five points from eight matches, while Excelsior remains rooted at the bottom with three points. Both teams desperately needed a win to gain momentum, but neither could capitalize on their opportunities.

Hera's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with one win, two draws, and five losses in their last eight outings. The lone victory came against ADO Den Haag W, where Elena de Vries found the net. However, since that match, Hera has struggled offensively, managing only one goal in their last three games. The draw against Excelsior reflects their ongoing issues in front of goal, as they averaged just six shots per game over their last five fixtures. Despite holding onto possession around the low-to-mid fifties percentage-wise, translating that into meaningful scoring chances remains a significant challenge.

Excelsior W's plight is even more dire, having lost seven of their last eight matches. Their only win was an outlier, and they have consistently struggled defensively, conceding an average of 18 shots per game. The 1-1 draw against Hera does little to alleviate their relegation fears, as they continue to search for answers on both ends of the pitch. Sophie van den Berg, despite her quiet performances, remains a focal point for Excelsior, but her ability to influence games has been hampered by the team's overall struggles.

The match showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams. Hera United W entered the fixture with a slight edge in confidence after their recent victory but failed to build on that momentum. Excelsior W, on the other hand, was desperate for points but could not find the spark needed to turn their season around. The draw serves as a missed opportunity for both sides; Hera needed to distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Excelsior required points to avoid slipping further into despair.

Defensively, Hera showed some resilience but still allowed Excelsior to create chances. The backline's performance was crucial in maintaining parity, especially given Excelsior's tendency to capitalize on defensive lapses. The match highlighted the need for both teams to tighten their defenses if they hope to climb out of the relegation battle.

Looking ahead, Hera United W faces Twente W next, a match that will test their resolve and ability to convert chances into goals. They must find a way to break through defenses that have stifled their attacking efforts. For Excelsior W, the upcoming clash against ADO Den Haag W presents another opportunity to claw back into contention. They must address their defensive frailties and find a way to support van den Berg in attack if they hope to secure vital points.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a low-scoring affair with one scrappy goal deciding the outcome. While I expected Hera to edge it, the draw underscores the reality that both teams are still searching for consistency and form. With each passing week, the pressure mounts as relegation looms larger for both clubs. The stakes couldn't be higher as they navigate this challenging season; every point counts in their fight for survival.