Almere City FC vs Telstar Match Recap - Jan 14, 2026

Telstar Triumphs Over Almere City FC in KNVB Beker Upset

Telstar's 3-1 victory over Almere City FC marks a significant turning point for a team that has struggled to find its footing in recent weeks. After a mixed bag of results, this win showcases their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in knockout football.

Milan Zonneveld set the tone early with a goal just one minute into the match, demonstrating Telstar's intent to seize control from the outset. This early strike not only boosted the team's confidence but also put Almere on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game from the very beginning. The psychological impact of conceding so early cannot be understated; it shifted the momentum firmly in Telstar's favor.

Patrick Brouwer, who has been a key figure for Telstar, continued his impressive form by scoring shortly after halftime. His ability to find space and convert chances has been crucial for Telstar, especially given their recent struggles in the Eredivisie. This match further solidified his role as a pivotal player, showcasing his knack for stepping up when it matters most.

Almere City FC, despite their recent run of form that included four wins in five matches, struggled to translate their attacking prowess into meaningful chances against a well-organized Telstar defense. They dominated possession with 52%, yet this control did not translate into effective goal-scoring opportunities. The statistics reveal a stark contrast: Almere had 15 total shots but only managed 7 on target, indicating a lack of precision in the final third.

The midfield battle was crucial, with Almere's Milan de Haan and Junior Kadile unable to impose their influence as they had in previous matches. Telstar's compact formation effectively stifled Almere's creative outlets, forcing them into less favorable positions. This tactical discipline from Telstar allowed them to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks, which proved decisive.

Almere's defensive frailties were exposed once again, as they conceded a third goal through Guus Offerhaus in the 63rd minute. This goal highlighted their ongoing issues with maintaining concentration at the back, a problem that has plagued them throughout the season. Despite their attacking capabilities, their defensive lapses have often undermined their efforts, and this match was no exception.

The late goal from Byron Burgering for Almere provided a glimmer of hope but ultimately came too late to change the outcome. It served as a reminder of Almere's potential but also underscored their inconsistency. The inability to convert possession and shots into goals has been a recurring theme in their recent matches, raising questions about their finishing ability under pressure.

Telstar's victory not only advances them in the KNVB Beker but also serves as a much-needed confidence boost following their recent struggles in the Eredivisie. Their ability to execute a game plan effectively against a higher-ranked opponent speaks volumes about their potential moving forward. The win could be the catalyst they need to build momentum in both cup and league competitions.

Almere City FC must now reflect on this defeat and address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to maintain their position in the Eerste Divisie. The stark contrast between their recent form and today's performance highlights the need for improvement, particularly in high-stakes matches where every mistake can be costly.

This match encapsulated the unpredictability of knockout football, where form can be rendered irrelevant by a single moment of brilliance or a lapse in concentration. For Telstar, this victory is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen, while Almere must regroup and refocus if they are to turn their season around.