FC Twente Enschede 2-2 KAA Gent | International Club Friendly
Date: 18 July 2026 | Venue: De Grolsch Veste, Enschede

FC Twente and KAA Gent served up an entertaining 2-2 draw in their pre-season friendly at De Grolsch Veste, giving both sets of fans plenty of encouragement ahead of the new campaign. The match, played in front of a healthy crowd, saw both sides rotate heavily, but the quality on display remained high throughout.

Match Overview

The Dutch Eredivisie side started brightly, taking an early lead through a well-worked team move. However, the Belgian Pro League visitors responded with two quick goals before half-time, turning the game on its head. Twente showed their resilience by equalising early in the second period, and neither side could find a winner in a closely contested final half-hour.

Key Moments

• 12' – Twente strike first: A flowing passing sequence ended with a composed finish from inside the box, giving the home side a deserved lead.
• 28' – Gent equalise: A defensive lapse allowed the visitors to level, with a low drive beating the Twente goalkeeper at his near post.
• 41' – Gent turn it around: A powerful header from a corner put the Belgian side ahead, punishing Twente for a momentary loss of concentration.
• 54' – Twente level: A swift counterattack culminated in a clinical finish, restoring parity and setting up a tense final half-hour.

Tactical Story

Twente's high press caused problems early on, but Gent's experience in absorbing pressure and hitting on the break proved effective. The visitors’ midfield duo controlled the tempo after the equaliser, while Twente's full-backs pushed forward aggressively in the second half, creating overloads wide. Both coaches used the full complement of substitutions, with several academy prospects getting valuable minutes.

Standout Players

• FC Twente – #10 (attacking midfielder) – Pulled the strings in the final third and was involved in both goals.
• KAA Gent – #9 (striker) – Clinical with his finish for the equaliser and a constant threat in the air.

This friendly provided important fitness work for both squads. Twente's ability to fight back after going behind will please the coaching staff, while Gent will be satisfied with their clinical finishing and defensive organisation for long spells.