In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, NEC Nijmegen edged out Rijnsburgse Boys with a score of 3-2 in the 2nd Preliminary Round of the KNVB Beker on October 30, 2025, at Sportpark Middelmors. This match showcased not only the tenacity needed at this knockout stage but also the unpredictable nature of football, reminding us how quickly tides can turn.
Right from the first whistle, NEC Nijmegen took command, demonstrating their intent with an early goal. Noe Lebreton found the back of the net in the 10th minute, putting his team ahead and setting the tone for a high-stakes clash. Just 11 minutes later, Sami Ouaissa doubled the lead with a deft finish, showing incredible composure. The situation looked increasingly dire for the Rijnsburgse Boys, who may have been hoping for an upset against their higher-tier opponents.
Yet, as fortune would have it, NEC Nijmegen would not stop there. Barely two minutes after Ouaissa's goal, Lebreton scored again, making it 3-0, and seemingly putting the match well out of reach for Rijnsburgse Boys. It was a brutal start for the home side, who, despite recent momentum built from an impressive 5-1 victory against Barendrecht, found themselves reeling.
However, the match took a turn just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Rijnsburgse Boys' Ilias Kariouh scored, reigniting hope for the team and their supporters, bringing the scoreline to 3-1. Kariouh's goal proved pivotal, as it shifted the momentum going into the break.
The second half began with a new sense of urgency for Rijnsburgse Boys. They needed to act fast, and they delivered, with Mark van der Weijden netting a goal in the 65th minute that cut the deficit to a single goal. Suddenly, the atmosphere in Sportpark Middelmors was electric, as fans sensed that a historic comeback might be on the cards.
Despite a spirited effort to overcome the deficit, Rijnsburgse Boys could not find the equalizer in the remaining time. As the final whistle blew, NEC Nijmegen celebrated their hard-fought victory, while the home side, despite the loss, showcased resilience and a fighting spirit that left their supporters proud.
This result may do wonders for NEC Nijmegen, who have struggled to find form in the Eredivisie, drawing their last several matches. After this win, they can carry that momentum into their upcoming league fixtures, hoping that the cup run will bring renewed confidence. For Rijnsburgse Boys, their campaign in the KNVB Beker ends here, but they have shown that they can compete fiercely against higher-tier opposition. Their future games could benefit from the confidence gained in their strong performance against NEC Nijmegen.
Reflecting on my earlier preview, I had predicted that Rijnsburgse Boys might pull off an upset, riding high on their recent attacking form. While they fell short, the match reinforced the unpredictability of cup football-reminding all us football enthusiasts that even when a team is the underdog, they can put up a strong fight and challenge expectations. As we look ahead to their next league matches, both teams will need to build on what they learned from this match, armed with the knowledge that every game is a new battle waiting to be fought.