ADO Den Haag suffered a narrow 3-2 home defeat to SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie on 25 October 2026, as the visitors edged a five-goal contest at the Cars Jeans Stadion. In a match that swung repeatedly, Heerenveen found the decisive goal late on to take all three points and leave ADO with another frustrating result in their battle for stability.

Match overview

ADO Den Haag started with energy in front of their home support and were rewarded when Daan van der Kolk opened the scoring inside the first quarter of an hour. The midfielder arrived late in the box and finished calmly after a sustained spell of pressure. Heerenveen responded well, though, and equalised before half-time through Sven Bakker, who capitalised on a quick transition and beat the goalkeeper with a low strike.

The second half was even more open. Heerenveen took the lead for the first time just after the break when Timo Woudenberg converted from close range following a corner. ADO refused to fold and levelled at 2-2 through Rafael Coelho, whose powerful run and finish lifted the home crowd again. But the visitors had the final say, with Bakker scoring his second of the night in the closing stages to seal a 3-2 victory.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Daan van der Kolk gives ADO Den Haag an early lead with a composed finish.
• 31st minute: Sven Bakker equalises for Heerenveen after a fast counter-attack.
• 54th minute: Timo Woudenberg puts Heerenveen 2-1 ahead from a set-piece scramble.
• 76th minute: Rafael Coelho makes it 2-2 with a strong individual effort.
• 88th minute: Bakker strikes again to win it for the visitors.

Tactical story

ADO Den Haag pressed high early on and tried to force mistakes in Heerenveen’s build-up. That approach created the opening goal and gave the home side control for long spells before the break. However, Heerenveen’s compact midfield and quick wing play allowed them to counter effectively, especially when ADO’s full-backs pushed forward.

After half-time, Heerenveen adjusted their shape slightly and began to win more second balls in midfield. Their ability to turn defence into attack quickly proved decisive. ADO kept fighting and found an equaliser through Coelho, but their back line was stretched too often in the final 15 minutes, and Bakker’s late winner punished them.

Standout players

Sven Bakker was the clear difference-maker for SC Heerenveen, scoring twice and showing sharp movement throughout. Daan van der Kolk was ADO Den Haag’s brightest attacking outlet, while Rafael Coelho provided energy and end product in the second half. Heerenveen midfielder Ruben van Dijk also deserves credit for controlling the tempo in the middle of the park.

Season impact

The result gives SC Heerenveen an important away win and strengthens their position in the upper half of the Eredivisie table. For ADO Den Haag, the defeat leaves them with more work to do in the relegation play-off battle. The home side showed attacking promise, but conceding three goals at home will be a concern as they look to climb away from danger.