RKC Waalwijk 4-2 NAC Breda — Eerste Divisie, September 5, 2026

RKC Waalwijk produced an attacking masterclass at the Mandemakers Stadion to see off NAC Breda 4-2 in a highly entertaining Eerste Divisie fixture on September 5, 2026. The match delivered everything the neutral could ask for: early goals, momentum swings, defensive errors, and a flurry of attacking quality as Waalwijk claimed all three points.

A frantic opening half

The game exploded into life inside the first ten minutes when RKC Waalwijk struck first, exploiting space behind NAC’s high defensive line. The visitors, however, responded almost immediately through a powerful set-piece header, only to fall behind again before halftime as Waalwijk restored their lead with a crisp counter-attack finished calmly inside the near post.

NAC Breda have traditionally relished these derby-style showdowns and pushed hard for another equalizer after the break. They briefly found it midway through the second half, turning the match into a 2-2 contest after a defensive mix-up in the RKC box. But any hopes of NAC leaving with a point were crushed when Waalwijk regained control with two quick-fire goals in the final 20 minutes, the first coming after a beautiful passing sequence and the second courtesy of a powerful long-range effort that flew into the top corner.

Why Waalwijk prevailed

RKC Waalwijk’s energy in the wide channels and their willingness to attack at every opportunity made the difference. Their forwards constantly stretched the NAC back four, while the midfielders provided late runners into the penalty area that the away defence struggled to track. NAC Breda showed character to come from behind twice, but their defensive vulnerability — particularly in transition — proved costly against a sharp and confident Waalwijk attack.

Where the result leaves both teams

This was an important win for Waalwijk as they look to climb the Eerste Divisie table and build a promotion push in the 2026-27 season. The four goals also boost their goal difference, which can be crucial in a tightly packed second division. NAC Breda, meanwhile, will review a frustrating evening in which their attacking creativity was not matched by the discipline needed away from home.

With nine goals combined, this was one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend in the Netherlands and another reminder that the Eerste Divisie remains one of Europe’s most unpredictable and exciting second tiers.