In an electrifying showdown at Bosuilstadion Terrein 3, Royal Antwerp II and Nijlen played to a thrilling 3-3 draw on November 1, 2025. For both teams, this match was critical as they chased important points in the Second Amateur Division - VFV B.
Coming into the match, Royal Antwerp II had momentum on their side, having achieved three victories in their last four outings. The team's defense had been notably strong, conceding only a single goal in each game over that span. However, a lack of offensive firepower cast a shadow over their success; averaging just 0.6 goals per match during that stretch raised questions about their ability to capitalize when it mattered most.
On the other hand, Nijlen entered the clash with equal ambition. They boasted three wins in five games but came off a frustrating draw against Berg en Dal. Their attack had shown glimpses of brilliance but was marred by defensive lapses that allowed ten goals in the same period.
As fans settled into their seats and anticipation filled the air, both teams took to the pitch with determination. The first half began with some back-and-forth play until Nijlen broke through first. In the 22nd minute, Oumar Sow capitalized on a defensive error from Royal Antwerp II, slotting home his fifth goal of the season and igniting celebrations among the traveling supporters.
However, Royal Antwerp II quickly responded, leveling the score just ten minutes later through a well-taken strike by Lennart Mertens. This moment had been long awaited for him after struggling to find his scoring touch recently-his persistence finally paid off. With both sides pushing for more goals before halftime, it was clear this match would be anything but dull.
The second half picked up right where the first left off. Just five minutes after returning from break, Nijlen regained the lead thanks to Tuur De Vilder's clever finish. But once again, Royal Antwerp II would not back down; they rallied to equalize moments later with another goal from Mertens-a sign that perhaps he had indeed found his form again.
With both teams exchanging blows in this high-stakes encounter, it was Nijlen who took command anew when Sow struck once more in the 75th minute, making it 3-2 and seemingly tilting momentum their way for good this time. Yet just as it appeared they'd secure all three points, panic set into Nijlen's defense-a series of miscommunications allowed Michiel D'Haese to score for Royal Antwerp II, bringing them level at 3-3 with mere minutes remaining.
This draw leaves both teams reflecting amid their contrasting aspirations: while Royal Antwerp II will feel grateful to have salvaged a point at home despite inconsistent finishing throughout much of the contest, Nijlen may rue opportunities missed and decisions made late defensively that cost them vital points.
Currently positioned toward mid-table rather than contention for promotion or relegation battles-the stakes were evident today as neither team can afford repeated slip-ups going forward. Each club now looks ahead with cautious optimism-Royal Antwerp II will visit Berg en Dal next week while Nijlen welcomes Tongeren to their home ground as they seek resurgence amid this dynamic league race.
For those holding onto predictions made beforehand (myself included), it seems we all underestimated how determined both sides would be and just how often those nets would ripple today! A hot take proved cold: expect fierce competitiveness as every point counts moving forward-especially for rooftops aiming higher come season's end!