NEC Nijmegen and Levski Sofia shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League, a result that leaves both sides still searching for momentum in the league phase.

Match Overview

NEC started with intent, pressing aggressively and looking to use the home crowd as an extra man. Their reward came midway through the first half when Koki Ogawa finished off a well-constructed move, converting from close range after a low cross into the box. It was the kind of goal NEC had been building toward, and for a while it looked as though it might be enough.

Levski Sofia, however, grew into the game. The Bulgarian side defended deeper after the goal, absorbed pressure, and increasingly looked dangerous on the break. Their persistence paid off with a late equaliser that stunned the home support and secured a hard-earned point on the road.

Key Moments

• 1-0: Ogawa reacted quickest in the box, turning a driven cross past the goalkeeper.
• Big chance: NEC's Sontje Hansen forced a strong save after cutting in from the right.
• Levski response: A series of corners and long throws put NEC under sustained pressure after the hour mark.
• 1-1: Levski grabbed the equaliser late on, finishing calmly after a defensive mix-up.

Tactical Story

NEC's game plan was clear: dominate possession, work the ball into wide areas, and deliver early crosses for Ogawa. For long stretches it worked, with Dirk Proper dictating tempo in midfield and the full-backs providing constant overlaps. The issue was a lack of a killer second goal — and in European football, a one-goal lead is always fragile.

Levski Sofia set up to frustrate and counter. Their defensive block was narrow and disciplined, forcing NEC into predictable crossing patterns. As the game wore on, they pushed their wingers higher and targeted the space behind NEC's advanced full-backs. The equaliser came from exactly that kind of transition moment, and it was no more than their second-half display deserved.

Standout Players

Koki Ogawa was NEC's sharpest attacker, holding the ball up well and taking his goal with typical poise. Jasper Cillessen made important saves to keep the hosts ahead for as long as they were. For Levski, the goalkeeper and the goalscorer were the standout performers, while the midfield trio worked tirelessly to close gaps.

What It Means

The draw keeps both clubs within touching distance of the knockout places, but it also highlights their shared problem: turning promising performances into wins. NEC will feel they dropped two points at home, while Levski will view the away draw as a platform to build on.