NAC Breda Snatch Late 2-1 Win at De Graafschap in Eerste Divisie

NAC Breda came away from De Vijverberg with a valuable 2-1 victory over De Graafschap on Sunday evening, a result that could prove pivotal in the race for promotion to the Eredivisie. The visitors had to dig deep after falling behind early, but a composed second-half display and a late counter-attacking goal sealed all three points in a tense Eerste Divisie encounter.

Match Overview

The hosts started with intent, pressing high and forcing NAC into early errors. De Graafschap's midfield, anchored by captain Ralf Seuntjens, looked to dictate tempo, and their reward came in the 18th minute. A well-worked corner from the right was met by center-back Devin Haen, whose powerful header beat NAC goalkeeper Roy Kortsmit at the near post. De Vijverberg erupted, and for a while, it seemed the home side would control the contest.

NAC Breda, however, responded with maturity. Rather than panicking, they slowed the game down, kept possession in midfield, and gradually pushed De Graafschap back. The equalizer arrived in the 39th minute when Jort van der Sande latched onto a through ball from Kacper Kostorz, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted into an empty net. It was a goal of genuine quality and changed the mood of the match entirely.

Key Moments

• 18' – De Graafschap 1-0: Devin Haen heads home from a corner, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
• 39' – NAC Breda equalize: Jort van der Sande finishes calmly after a slick through ball from Kacper Kostorz.
• 67' – Double save: Roy Kortsmit denies De Graafschap twice in quick succession, keeping the scores level.
• 82' – NAC Breda 2-1: Substitute Sam Bisselink scores the winner on the break, finishing low past the goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

De Graafschap set up in a 4-3-3, looking to overwhelm NAC's full-backs with overlapping runs. For the first 25 minutes, it worked. But NAC's manager adjusted, shifting to a 4-2-3-1 that clogged the central lanes and forced De Graafschap wide, where their crosses were dealt with by NAC's towering center-backs. The visitors also began to exploit space behind De Graafschap's high line, and the winning goal was a perfect example: a quick turnover, a direct pass, and a clinical finish. De Graafschap's inability to track runners from midfield proved costly.

Standout Players

Jort van der Sande (NAC Breda): The forward was a constant menace, linking play and scoring the crucial equalizer. His movement pulled De Graafschap's defense apart.

Roy Kortsmit (NAC Breda): The goalkeeper made several key saves, none more important than his 67th-minute double stop that kept the score at 1-1.

Devin Haen (De Graafschap): The defender was strong in the air and scored the opening goal, but he will be disappointed with his positioning for NAC's winner.

Eerste Divisie Table Impact

With this win, NAC Breda move into the upper echelons of the Eerste Divisie standings, reinforcing their promotion credentials. De Graafschap, meanwhile, remain in the mix but have now dropped valuable home points. In a league where automatic promotion and playoff places are fiercely contested, this result could have lasting consequences. NAC's ability to win away at a direct rival sends a clear message: they are serious contenders for a return to the top flight.