NEC vs Heerenveen end 2-2, Cillessen injury spoil match for Nijmegen side

For NEC Nijmegen fans wey dey watch their team play against SC Heerenveen for Goffert Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the match na serious wahala from beginning to end. The game wey be part of Eredivisie matchday 28 end 2-2, but the big story na how NEC goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen get injury just for 3 minutes into the match.

Cillessen wey be the second goalkeeper for NEC after Gonzalo Crettaz dey already injured, fall down for ground early for the game. The 37-year-old keeper feel something for him leg and no fit continue. This na serious blow for NEC because Cillessen suppose keep for KNVB Cup final wey go hold after three weeks. Rijk Janse, the young goalkeeper, come enter the match make him debut for Eredivisie.

The match start with NEC wey dey fight for second position for league table. Marcel Boekhoorn, the NEC chairman, talk say him believe say NEC go enter Champions League next season. For the first 19 minutes, NEC dey control the game well well. Tjaronn Chery score the first goal after a shot from Mathias Lebreton no clear well by SC Heerenveen goalkeeper Andries Klaverboer. Chery just tap the ball enter net make am 1-0 for NEC.

But SC Heerenveen no gree make NEC enjoy the lead for long time. For 37th minute, Jacob Trenskow equalize for Heerenveen after good work from Zagaritis. The ball come from Zagaritis and Trenskow just shoot am pass debutant goalkeeper Janse. This na Trenskow eleventh goal for this season.

Just before half time, something spectacular happen. Ringo Meerveld, the Heerenveen midfielder, start run from him own half, dribble pass several NEC players, and finish with beautiful chip over goalkeeper Janse. The goal make Heerenveen go ahead 2-1 before half time. This goal dey so sweet say even the commentators dey talk say na goal of the season contender.

For second half, NEC come back strong. For 58th minute, Tjaronn Chery score again with another wonderful goal. The midfielder do one-two with Sano before hitting the ball under the crossbar. This goal make the score 2-2 and Chery now get two goals for the match.

The remaining time of the match, both teams try to score winning goal but no succeed. NEC dey attack more but their shots no accurate. Heerenveen goalkeeper Klaverboer dey make some saves but no face too much pressure. The match end 2-2, which mean NEC no fit overtake Ajax for second position for now.

This draw affect NEC ambition to qualify for Champions League. They still dey third position for Eredivisie table behind Feyenoord and Ajax. For other matches wey hold same Sunday, Feyenoord play against Ajax for De Kuip for the Klassieker match. PSV dey also wait to see if them fit become champions if Ajax win against Feyenoord.

The injury to Cillessen na big concern for NEC. The experienced goalkeeper suppose be important for the team for the remaining matches of the season, especially for the cup final. Rijk Janse wey make him debut today go likely continue as goalkeeper if Cillessen no recover quick quick.

SC Heerenveen coach and players go happy with the point wey them get from difficult away match. The team from Friesland show say them fit compete with top teams for Eredivisie. Their performance today, especially the goals from Trenskow and Meerveld, show say Heerenveen get quality players wey fit change match any time.

For NEC side, the team need to work on their defense and learn how to protect lead. Two times for this match, them concede goals shortly after scoring. This na problem wey dey affect their chance to climb higher for league table. Coach and players need to find solution before next matches.

The Eredivisie season dey enter crucial stage with only few matches remain. Every point dey important for teams wey dey fight for European qualification and those wey dey avoid relegation. NEC vs Heerenveen match show say no team dey too small to cause upset for Dutch football.