In an exhilarating encounter that epitomized the drama of knockout football, Den Bosch and ADO Den Haag battled to a gripping 3-3 draw after extra time before Den Bosch triumphed 5-4 in the subsequent penalty shootout at De Vliert on October 28, 2025. The match was a thrilling spectacle, featuring a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The contest began briskly, with ADO Den Haag showcasing their attacking prowess early on. Luka Reischl opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and just three minutes later, another strike put Den Haag firmly in control. However, the tide began to turn as Thijs van Leeuwen pulled one back for Den Bosch in the 33rd minute. Van Leeuwen was not done yet; he equalized shortly after halftime, scoring in the 50th minute, which instigated a newfound energy in the Den Bosch ranks.
However, Den Haag was not to be dismissed easily. A well-timed penalty awarded in the 55th minute saw Den Haag regain their lead, only for Den Bosch to respond with a thunderous equalizer from Kévin Monzialo in the 77th minute. By this point, the match had transformed into a tense back-and-forth encounter, with both teams refusing to buckle under pressure.
As the clock inched towards the final whistle, both sides remained resolute, determined to avoid defeat. In a dramatic finale, Cameron Peupion converted a late penalty for Den Haag to tie the game once more at 3-3, pushing the match into the tense throes of extra time. The added minutes were fraught with anxiety and intensity, culminating in unrest as Kévin Monzialo of Den Bosch was shown a red card in the dying moments.
Faced with the impossible task of playing a man down, Den Bosch showed remarkable resolve, setting the stage for the shootout. The penalty shootout unfolded with equal measures of anxiety and triumph, as Den Bosch emerged victorious, converting five penalties while Den Haag fell short. This victory was not only a testament to Den Bosch's tenacity but marked their resurgence after a rough patch that saw them floundering in the Eerste Divisie.
For Den Haag, this elimination is a stark contrast to their recent form, having won their previous five league matches with impressive performances. Their dominance throughout the league made them favorites coming into the match, yet they were left to grapple with the disappointment of an early cup exit.
Looking ahead, Den Bosch will cherish this morale-boosting win, which could spark a much-needed turnaround in their season. In stark contrast, Den Haag will need to re-evaluate quickly to maintain their momentum in the league as they prepare to face upcoming challenges. The KNVB Beker may have slipped through their fingers, but their league aspirations remain firmly within reach. For both teams, the road ahead is crucial, with confidence and redemption at stake in the weeks to come.