Cillessen and Tannane help NEC to a crucial victory at RKC in the play-off battle

NOS Football•today, 23:02

View the summary of RKC Waalwijk – NEC

NEC has done excellent business in the battle for the play-offs for European football. The team from Nijmegen dealt a big blow to direct competitor RKC Waalwijk: 1-3.

The resounding numbers were due to two players in particular. Keeper Jasper Cillessen made a number of crucial saves and Oussama Tannane was also worth gold with two hard shots between the posts.

Because the balance of power really wasn’t as great as the standings after half an hour suggested.

Tannane surprised Etienne Vaessen with a quick foot movement and a hard effort in the short corner (0-1), after which Elayis Tavsan turned in and swept the ball into the far corner with his left (0-2). Tannane then swept a free kick under the bouncing wall, but over the so-called wall girder (0-3).

The game could have taken a remarkable turn after the break. After a penalty for NEC was reversed on the advice of the video referee, Vurnon Anita scored 1-3 after a great action by Mats Seuntjens from the outside. And both before (Michiel Kramer) and after (Julen Lobete) RKC missed a huge opportunity.

Still, in the end, there was little to be said about Nijmegen’s victory. Because when the ball did hit the spot after interference from the VAR, Tannane should have completed his hat trick. Vaessen, however, chose the right angle and saved the penalty kick.

Tavsan, in turn, was unlucky that his shot just missed hitting the inside of the post and Andri Baldursson missed another dot of a chance for Vaessen.

For example, a very attractive game ended with only four hits and NEC holds the important place eight. If Spakenburg does not win the cup, that final ranking is in principle enough to participate in the play-offs.

SC Heerenveen, which will play against FC Groningen on Sunday, is also still in the race. Just like RKC, which still has a make-up game against Go Ahead Eagles and still has one loss point less than NEC.