Enschede, Netherlands — FC Twente go face NEC for their semi-final match on Thursday, May 22, 2025, for a chance to reach the Eredivisie European playoffs finals. Dis year match dey critical as both teams wan secure passage for next season European competition.
FC Twente, wey finish regular season for sixth place, dey look to claim another European spot after dem score 54 points from 34 matches. Although dem face Bodo/Glimt in Europa League knockout phase last season, dem no fit progress. Dem Tukkers start dis season strong but fall back towards end, managing just two wins in their last nine matches, with a recent 2-0 loss to Ajax barely closing the season.
“We need to get back to winning ways and show our quality on home turf,” Coach Ron Jans talk as dem prepare for di match. “Every game dey important, and we dey ready.”
NEC, wey finish eighth with 43 points, dey come into dis match with plenty momentum after dem secure three straight wins to finish di season. Dem bounce back from tough times in di season’s final stretch to beat Ajax 3-0, followed by another 3-0 victory against NAC Breda, plus a last match comeback against Heracles to earn dem a spot in di playoffs for di first time since 2008-09.
“We know wetin we dey play for,” Coach Rogier Meijer talk before di match. “Dis na our chance to make history. E no go easy, but we ready to fight for every inch.”
FC Twente go miss some players as first-choice goalkeeper is injured, and key attackers also dey sidelined. Veteran goalkeeper Michael Unnerstall fit take di goal post again while young stars on di front line go need to step up their game to fill di gaps.
On di other hand, NEC dey almost unchanged, with line-up featuring key players like Sontje Hansen and Bryan Linssen, wey dey help dem score vital goals in di recent matches. Dem tot dey na poised to take di fight to FC Twente with their hot form as dem enter dis crucial match.
As both teams prepare for dis decider, fans dey expect a thrilling encounter for De Grolsch Veste. FC Twente get home advantage, but NEC dey come with fresh motivation. Fit dey race go too tight, but FC Twente look like di favorite, with an expected 51.74% chance of win as per data analysis from previous match records. Dis clash go set di tone for di final match in di playoffs.
Kickoff na for 8pm UK time, and fans dey eagerly anticipate which team go advance to di finals and keep dem European dreams alive.
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