ADO Den Haag Women’s pre-season preparations hit a minor speed bump on 2 August 2026, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against a determined De Graafschap (W) side in an international club friendly. The match, played under the evening lights at 18:00 local time, served as an important test for both Dutch women’s teams as they fine-tuned their squads ahead of the upcoming domestic campaign.

Match Overview

De Graafschap (W) arrived with a clear game plan and executed it with discipline, taking the lead in a tightly contested first half. ADO Den Haag responded with customary energy, but the visitors edged ahead again after the hosts had pulled level, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory. For ADO Den Haag Women, the defeat provides valuable insight into the areas that need sharpening before competitive action begins.

Key Moments and Tactical Story

ADO Den Haag controlled much of the possession, using their midfield to dictate the tempo, but De Graafschap’s compact defensive shape forced the home side into wide areas. The breakthrough came when De Graafschap capitalized on a quick transitional move, catching ADO’s backline out of position. The equalizer arrived after a sustained period of pressure, with ADO’s forwards combining well down the right flank to create a simple finish.

However, the deciding goal highlighted a recurring issue for ADO: conceding from set pieces. A well-delivered corner was met powerfully by a De Graafschap defender, leaving the home goalkeeper with no chance. From that point, De Graafschap sat deeper and managed the game effectively, closing down spaces and frustrating ADO’s attempts to find a late leveller.

Standout Performers

• De Graafschap’s midfield – Their anchor shielded the back four effectively and broke up numerous ADO attacks.
• ADO Den Haag’s right side – Provided the most consistent threat, creating several half-chances and the home goal.

What This Means for Both Sides

For ADO Den Haag Women, this friendly result serves as a wake-up call ahead of the new season. The coaching staff will likely focus on defensive organization, especially from dead-ball situations, and on improving finishing in the final third. For De Graafschap (W), the win is a confidence booster and proof that their pre-season preparations are on track. Matches like this underline the growing competitiveness of friendly fixtures between Dutch women’s clubs, offering both sides a meaningful workout outside of league competition.