PEC Zwolle vs Fortuna Sittard Match Recap - Dec 13, 2025

PEC Zwolle's Resurgence: A 1-0 Victory Over Fortuna Sittard Sparks Hope

PEC Zwolle secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard, marking a significant turnaround after a series of disappointing performances. The win not only boosts their morale but also provides a much-needed three points in their fight against relegation. With this result, PEC Zwolle climbs to 14 points, inching closer to safety in the Eredivisie standings.

Koen Kostons emerged as the hero of the match, scoring the only goal in the 6th minute. This performance is a continuation of his recent form, having scored in the previous match against AZ Alkmaar. Kostons' ability to find the net consistently is vital for a team that has struggled offensively, particularly after their heavy defeat to Feyenoord just a week prior.

Fortuna Sittard's recent form has been inconsistent, and this match exemplified their ongoing struggles. Despite dominating possession with 61%, they failed to convert that control into meaningful chances. Their inability to capitalize on ball dominance has been a recurring theme, as seen in their last five matches where they often outshot opponents but lacked finishing quality.

PEC Zwolle's defensive organization was commendable, especially after conceding nine goals in their last two outings. The backline, led by Anselmo Garcia McNulty, effectively neutralized Fortuna's attacking threats, limiting them to just five total shots. This marked a stark contrast to their previous performances where defensive lapses were commonplace.

The midfield battle was pivotal, with PEC Zwolle managing to disrupt Fortuna's rhythm. Thijs Oosting and Ryan Thomas played crucial roles in regaining possession and transitioning quickly into attack. Their efforts were instrumental in creating opportunities, as evidenced by PEC Zwolle's three shots on target compared to Fortuna's one.

Fortuna's reliance on individual brilliance from players like Kaj Sierhuis and Kristoffer Peterson proved insufficient. Despite Sierhuis scoring in their last match against Ajax, he was unable to replicate that form today. The lack of cohesive team play and creativity in the final third ultimately cost them dearly.

The statistics reveal a clear narrative: PEC Zwolle's expected goals (xG) stood at 1.55, indicating they made the most of their limited chances. In contrast, Fortuna's xG was a mere 0.27, highlighting their struggles to create quality scoring opportunities. This disparity underscores the importance of efficiency in front of goal, something both teams must address moving forward.

Fortuna's tactical setup under coach Danny Buijs seemed ineffective against PEC Zwolle's pressing game. Their formation did not yield the desired results, as they failed to break down a resolute defense. The lack of creativity from midfielders like Édouard Michut and Ryan Fosso left the forwards isolated and frustrated.

Looking ahead, PEC Zwolle will face Excelsior next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. A win could further distance them from the relegation zone and instill confidence in a squad that has faced adversity this season. Meanwhile, Fortuna Sittard must regroup before their clash with AZ Alkmaar, where they will need to find a way to convert possession into points.

This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football; one team's resurgence can be another's downfall. PEC Zwolle's victory not only alters their trajectory but also raises questions about Fortuna Sittard's ability to compete consistently in the Eredivisie. The stakes are high as both teams navigate the challenges of the season, with every point becoming increasingly critical as they strive for survival.