ADO Den Haag Rally to Win Five‑Goal Friendly Against KV Mechelen

A thrilling pre‑season friendly at the AFAS Stadion in Mechelen on 18 July 2026 saw Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen fall 3‑2 to ADO Den Haag of the Dutch Eerste Divisie. The match featured a frantic first half, a near‑capitulation from the home side, and a resilient comeback that ultimately fell just short.

First‑Half Fireworks

ADO Den Haag wasted no time taking control. In the 8th minute, striker Henk Veerman rose highest to meet a corner from Daryl van Mieghem, powering a header past Mechelen keeper Gaëtan Coucke. The visitors doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when midfielder Kürsad Sürmeli finished a swift counter‑attack with a composed strike from 12 yards. Mechelen looked sluggish and disjointed in the opening half‑hour, struggling to contain ADO’s pace on the break.

However, KV Mechelen found a foothold just before half‑time. A clever through ball from Rob Schoofs set winger Nikola Storm free, and his driven cross was turned into his own net by ADO defender Matteo Waem. The own goal – timed at 39 minutes – gave the home side a lifeline and changed the momentum heading into the interval.

Second‑Half Drama

Mechelen emerged with renewed energy and equalised in the 52nd minute. Striker Lion Lauberbach side‑footed home from close range after a goalmouth scramble following a corner. The home crowd sensed a victory, but ADO Den Haag showed composure and regained the lead just five minutes later. A superb individual run from winger Jari Vlak saw him dribble past two defenders before slotting a low shot into the far corner – a goal that ultimately proved decisive.

Key Performances

• Henk Veerman (ADO): The experienced target man was a constant aerial threat, winning six duels and scoring the opening goal.
• Lion Lauberbach (KV Mechelen): The German forward showed sharp finishing and linked play well, but lacked support in the final third.
• Jari Vlak (ADO): The match‑winner demonstrated pace and dribbling ability that will be crucial for Den Haag’s promotion push in the Eerste Divisie.

Team Preparation

KV Mechelen, who finished 8th in the Belgian Pro League last season, now have two more friendlies before their league opener against Club Brugge. Head coach Steven Defour will be concerned by defensive lapses but encouraged by the spirit shown in the comeback. ADO Den Haag, meanwhile, are preparing for their second consecutive season in the Dutch second tier, and this victory – their third in four pre‑season games – suggests they are on track for a strong campaign.