Telstar vs NEC Nijmegen Match Recap - Dec 13, 2025

Telstar and NEC Nijmegen Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Jeff Hardeveld's brace highlights Telstar's resilience, but NEC Nijmegen's late equalizer from Kento Shiogai underscores their title ambitions.

Telstar's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with five draws in their last six matches. The 2-2 draw against NEC Nijmegen at the BUKO Stadion continues this trend, showcasing their ability to fight back but also revealing lingering issues in defense. Hardeveld's two goals were crucial, yet they still sit at the bottom of the Eredivisie table with only 11 points from 16 matches. This result, while a step forward, leaves them in dire need of consistent victories to escape relegation.

NEC Nijmegen remains firmly in the title race despite the draw, currently sitting third with 27 points. Their recent performances have been characterized by attacking flair and tactical discipline, as evidenced by their previous victories over teams like FC Volendam and Feyenoord. The draw against Telstar, however, raises questions about their ability to close out matches against lower-ranked opponents. The late equalizer from Shiogai reflects their fighting spirit but also highlights a potential vulnerability in maintaining leads.

Hardeveld has emerged as a key player for Telstar, scoring both goals today and demonstrating his importance in an otherwise struggling side. His performance is a continuation of his recent form, where he has been one of the few bright spots for Telstar. With only two wins this season, his contributions are vital as the team seeks to build momentum and confidence moving forward.

For NEC Nijmegen, Bryan Linssen continues to be a pivotal figure in their attack. His goal today adds to his tally and reinforces his status as a leading scorer for the team. Linssen's ability to find the net consistently has been crucial for NEC's success this season, and he remains a player to watch as they aim for European qualification.

The match statistics reveal a tale of two teams struggling with different challenges. Telstar held 54% possession but managed only two shots on target, reflecting their ongoing issues in converting possession into meaningful chances. Their xG of 1.36 indicates that while they created some opportunities, they still lack the clinical edge needed to secure wins.

Conversely, NEC Nijmegen's attacking metrics paint a different picture. They recorded an xG of 1.89, suggesting they were more effective in creating high-quality chances throughout the match. Despite this, their inability to secure all three points against a struggling opponent could be seen as a missed opportunity in their quest for the top of the table.

Defensively, Telstar's struggles were evident once again. They have conceded an average of two goals per game this season, and today's match was no exception. The defensive frailties that have plagued them all season were on display as they allowed NEC to capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks. This inconsistency at the back must be addressed if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.

NEC's defense, while generally solid this season, showed cracks today. They allowed Telstar to score twice and failed to maintain composure under pressure late in the game. This draw could serve as a wake-up call for Dick Schreuder's side as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against tougher opponents like Ajax.

Looking ahead, Telstar faces NAC Breda next, where they will need to build on today's performance and convert draws into wins. The urgency is palpable; every point is crucial as they fight against relegation. Meanwhile, NEC Nijmegen will look to bounce back against Ajax, where they must demonstrate resilience and tactical acumen to remain competitive in the title race.

This match encapsulated the ongoing narratives for both teams: Telstar's struggle for survival and NEC Nijmegen's pursuit of glory. Hardeveld's standout performance offers hope for Telstar, while NEC must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind in the standings. The Eredivisie remains unpredictable, and both teams will need to adapt as they navigate the challenges ahead.