Late Drama as Heerenveen and NAC Breda Share Spoils in Thrilling 3-3 Stalemate
In a match that promised desperation and delivered plenty of drama, Heerenveen and NAC Breda played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on October 24, 2025. While I had envisioned a tightly contested encounter, it was the unyielding spirit of both sides that ensured a captivating spectacle for fans, albeit one that left neither team fully satisfied.
After a goalless first half, the match truly ignited with a surge from NAC Breda, who took the lead just after the break. Leo Greiml scored in the 55th minute, quickly followed by Sydney van Hooijdonk's strike three minutes later, putting Breda up 2-0 and momentarily lifting them out of the relegation zone. They appeared poised for a vital away victory, buoyed by their recent determined performances, including a draw with PEC Zwolle just days earlier.
Heerenveen, however, had other plans. Trailing by two goals, they rallied through Maas Willemsen, who netted a goal in the 68th minute, injecting urgency into the stadium. This momentum continued to build, culminating in Václav Sejk's 80th-minute equalizer, igniting a fervent roar from the home fans. With the score now tied at 2-2, it seemed the hosts might snatch a dramatic win.
But just when it appeared all would end squarely, Mohamed Nassoh ensured a frenetic finish by scoring in the dying moments of the match, restoring Breda's lead at 3-2 in the 90th minute. Yet, in a fitting finale to an afternoon rife with swings, Heerenveen countered almost immediately, equalizing once more through Sejk in stoppage time, sealing the score at 3-3.
For Heerenveen, this draw means they now sit in 12th place with 12 points, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches and showcasing their late-game resilience. Their last five fixtures-three wins and two draws-speak to a team finding traction, although defensive lapses remain a concern.
Conversely, NAC Breda, now firmly in 14th place with 8 points, will take solace from their fierce fightback today but must grapple with their overall struggle-just two wins in their last ten league encounters. The late goal from Nassoh provides a glimmer of hope, yet it is evident that consistency remains elusive for Breda.
Looking ahead, both teams face pressing challenges as the Eredivisie season intensifies. Heerenveen will look to build on today's display, seeking greater defensive solidity while preserving their late-game scoring capabilities. NAC Breda, on the other hand, must bolster their morale and cohesion if they hope to escape the relegation bubble.
As both teams leave the pitch, each will recognize that in a league so tightly packed, every point counts, bringing both urgency and excitement. This match may have ended in a draw, but its implications resonate deeply as the season unfolds.