Zwolle Women 2-4 ADO Den Haag Women: Visitors hit four in Eredivisie Vrouwen thriller

Zwolle Women’s return to competitive action ended in disappointment as ADO Den Haag Women powered to a 4-2 victory on 6 September 2026. In a fast-paced, open Eredivisie Vrouwen encounter, ADO showed superior composure in both penalty areas, overturning an early deficit to collect three valuable points on the road.

The match, played before an expectant home crowd, was a clear signal of ADO Den Haag’s ambitions for the new campaign. While Zwolle matched their opponents for long spells and produced several encouraging attacking moments, the visitors’ efficiency in front of goal proved to be the decisive factor under the late-evening floodlights.

Match overview

This was a contest defined by quick transitions and quality finishing. Zwolle stunned the visitors by taking an early lead, but their joy was short-lived as ADO responded with tremendous conviction. By the interval, ADO had turned the game on its head, and they maintained that momentum after the restart.

The four goals scored by ADO highlighted the variety in their attacking play — a clinical counter-attack, a well-worked set-piece, a strike from distance, and a calm finish after sustained pressure. Zwolle refused to fold, pulling another goal back midway through the second half, but ADO’s defensive discipline ensured they never looked like surrendering their advantage.

How the game unfolded

Zwolle’s dream start

ZWoLLE began the match with real intensity, pressing high and forcing ADO into uncharacteristic errors in the opening stages. The breakthrough arrived inside the first 15 minutes when a sharp through-ball caught the ADO defence flat, allowing the home side’s most advanced attacker to slot a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper.

For a brief moment, it seemed the home fans might be treated to an upset. Zwolle continued to press for a second goal, with their wide play causing problems on both flanks. However, ADO’s experience gradually steadied the ship.

ADO respond before the break

ADO Den Haag equalised midway through the first half, finding space down the right side and delivering a dangerous low cross that was turned in at the near post. The goal shifted the momentum completely. From that point, ADO controlled possession and began to carve open the Zwolle midfield with incisive passing combinations.

The visitors’ second goal arrived shortly before half-time when a corner kick was headed powerfully into the net. Zwolle’s defenders were left frustrated, having restored parity only to find themselves trailing just minutes later. The two-goal swing within a short period proved to be the defining sequence of the first half.

Second-half drama

Zwolle came out after the break with renewed purpose and created several opportunities to draw level, forcing ADO’s goalkeeper into a string of saves. But against the run of play, ADO struck a decisive third goal, punishing a loose pass in midfield with a devastating counter-attack that ended with a curling effort into the top corner.

CHARACTERISTIC of the contest, Zwolle refused to allow the game to drift away. A well-worked move down the left saw the home side reduce the deficit to 3-2, briefly setting up a tense finale. Yet any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished when ADO added their fourth goal, showing ruthless composure inside the box after a flowing team move.

Key moments

• Early breakthrough: Zwolle opened the scoring inside the opening quarter-hour with a sharp finish from a well-timed pass.
• Rapid equaliser: ADO levelled just before the half-hour mark with a near-post finish from a low cross.
• Set-piece damage: ADO took the lead before half-time with a powerful header from a corner.
• Counter-punch: The visitors extended their advantage on the break shortly after the restart.
• Zwolle fightback: A left-sided attack brought Zwolle back to 3-2 and set up a nervous finish.
• Sealer: ADO’s fourth goal finally killed off the home resistance.

Standout players

ADO Den Haag’s central striker was the obvious attacking reference point, involved in nearly every dangerous move and finishing with two goals and an assist. Her movement between the centre-backs created constant headaches for the Zwolle defence, while her ability to link with the wide players allowed ADO to attack from all angles.

For Zwolle, the left winger was the most consistent threat, pushing the home side forward and providing the cutback that produced their second goal. The home goalkeeper also performed well in the face of heavy pressure, making several sharp saves to prevent an even wider margin of defeat.

Seas