NEC Nijmegen and Excelsior SBV played out a goalless draw in the Netherlands Eredivisie on 23 August 2026, as both teams cancelled each other out in a match that promised more than it ultimately delivered. Despite plenty of effort and a competitive tempo, clear-cut chances were rare, and the points were shared at the Goffertstadion.

Match overview

NEC carried the greater share of possession throughout the fixture, enjoying long spells of control in the first half. Their width caused problems for the Excelsior full-backs, but the final delivery was often overhit or blocked by a well-positioned defender. Excelsior, as expected, set up to defend resolutely and looked dangerous on the break, relying on the pace of their wingers and the work rate of their midfield to keep the hosts off balance.

The second half followed a similar storyline. NEC introduced fresh legs in attack and pushed higher up the pitch, but Excelsior's goalkeeper remained relatively untroubled. The visitors occasionally threatened on the counter, forcing NEC's back line to stay focused, but neither side was able to produce the breakthrough. A point each was perhaps a fair outcome in a contest where defenders consistently outperformed attackers.

Key moments

• 32' – NEC's best chance of the first half came from a powerful shot from inside the area, parried clear by the Excelsior keeper.
• 56' – A low cross from the right caused a scramble in the Excelsior box, but no one in a home shirt could apply the finishing touch.
• 74' – Excelsior nearly stole the lead with a long-range effort that curled narrowly wide of the far post.
• 85' – NEC hit the woodwork after a close-range deflection, bringing the home crowd to their feet in frustration.

Standings impact

For NEC Nijmegen, the draw extends their unbeaten start to the Eredivisie campaign and maintains their solid home record, but it also represents a missed opportunity to climb the early-season standings. With several winnable fixtures ahead, turning draws into victories will be essential if they are to push toward the European places.

Excelsior SBV will view this as a positive result. Taking a point away from home in the Eredivisie is never straightforward, and their defensive organisation against a team with NEC's attacking ambitions deserves credit. The clean sheet will also give the visitors confidence as they prepare for the next round of fixtures in a highly competitive division.