Vitesse delivered a clinical attacking display at De Oude Meerdijk on Tuesday evening, defeating FC Emmen 4-2 in a pulsating Eerste Divisie encounter that kept the crowd of over 8,000 enthralled until the final whistle. The visitors’ incisiveness in front of goal proved decisive, as Emmen’s defensive frailties were exposed in a match that showcased the best and worst of both sides.

The contest began at a frenetic pace, with Vitesse immediately signaling their intent. Emmen looked to seize the initiative in front of their home supporters, pressing high and probing for early openings, but it was Vitesse who landed the first blow. A rapid counterattack in the 13th minute saw Vitesse’s forward break clear, finishing emphatically past the Emmen goalkeeper to silence the Drenthe Tribune. The home side responded with urgency, and their persistence paid off midway through the half as they capitalized on a defensive lapse, drawing level with a close-range strike that reignited the crowd.

Yet Vitesse’s attacking quality would not be denied. Before halftime, a well-worked move down the right flank culminated in a precise cross, met at the far post to restore Vitesse’s advantage. The teams went into the break with Vitesse holding a slender 2-1 lead, but both sides had shown enough attacking ambition to suggest more goals were inevitable.

The second half delivered on that promise. Emmen poured forward in search of an equalizer, but their commitment left them vulnerable at the back. Vitesse exploited this ruthlessly, adding a third goal with a sharp finish from the edge of the box following a slick passing sequence. Emmen refused to capitulate, pulling one back to make it 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.

However, Vitesse’s composure in possession and ability to punish mistakes proved telling. A late breakaway sealed the result, as Vitesse’s winger latched onto a through ball and slotted home to make it 4-2, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting supporters and confirming a deserved victory.

For Emmen, the defeat at their storied home ground—once a stage for the likes of Messi and Fàbregas during the 2005 World Youth Championship—will sting, particularly given their attacking intent and the raucous backing from the stands. Vitesse, meanwhile, left De Oude Meerdijk with all three points and a timely reminder of their promotion credentials.

With the result, Vitesse continues to mount pressure on the division’s leaders, while Emmen faces questions about defensive organization but can take heart from their forward play and the electric atmosphere at one of the Eerste Divisie’s most historic venues.