NAC Breda is promoted to the Eredivisie despite heavy loss against Excelsior

NAC Breda will be returning to the Eredivisie after a five-year absence. The club from Brabant lost the second leg of the finals for the playoffs 4-1 to Excelsior. However, NAC are promoted because they won the first match 6-2 at home.

Excelsior won promotion to the Eredivisie in 2022. Marinus Dijkhuizen’s side finished 15th last season and 16th this season, meaning the club had to play in the playoffs.

Second-division champions Willem II and FC Groningen had already ensured their promotion. FC Volendam and Vitesse were also relegated to the second division last season.

Excelsior did not give up despite the hefty loss in Breda. The home side took the initiative quickly and scored from their first big chance in the 20th minute. A deep through ball from Lazaros Lamprou was finished by striker Troy Parrott. This was the start of a string of chances for Excelsior. Everything went wrong for NAC, especially at the back.

The Rotterdam team doubled their lead in the 34th minute. Parrott converted a penalty, which referee Danny Makkelie only gave after being advised by the video assistant referee. Derensili Sanches Fernandes got the third after a spun cross from Lamprou in the 42nd minute.

The home side leveled the score over two just after halftime. Parrott scored his third goal of the match by heading the ball in at the second post. NAC Breda seemed defeated but was able to recover. Striker Sigurd Haugen just about missed a header from a cross from the left flank. The ball landed at the feet of midfielder Casper Staring, who scored by shooting low and hard.

Excelsior pushed to get the game to extra time in the closing stages. NAC stayed strong and has now been promoted to the Eredivisie despite finishing eighth in the second division.

Jan-Paul van Gastel’s side beat Roda JC and FC Emmen in the playoffs before this match.