NEC suffers major setback in Champions League pursuit after Groningen's comeback victory

NEC Nijmegen sat atop the battle for third position in the Eredivisie, a spot that secures entry into the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. They held a one-point edge over Ajax and FC Twente, though they remain without a victory since their 5-1 defeat to AZ in the KNVB Beker final back in April.

The game seemed to ignite after 12 minutes when Bryan Linssen unleashed a stunning shot into Etienne Vaessen's top corner from deep in defence, only for the effort to be disallowed due to the forward's offside call.

In contrast, FC Groningen struck first in the dying moments of added time, as Marco Rente powered home a precise delivery from Younes Taha, giving the home side the upper hand and intensifying the competition for third place.

Groningen maintained their momentum after the break, with Tygo Land extending the advantage in the 51st minute via a deflected effort, thereby increasing NEC's challenges in their bid for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Following Land's strike, NEC ramped up their intensity, battling for the draw essential to stay level with FC Twente and Ajax, while Groningen clung desperately to their advantage, all but securing a play-off berth.

Danilo attempted to reduce the deficit for NEC, but Thijmen Blokzijl denied him, yet Darko Nejasmic netted from the subsequent corner kick, offering the away team a glimmer of hope.

NEC's dynamic pair, Sami Ouaissa and Basar Onal, appeared to level the scores momentarily, though Onal's effort was chalked off following a VAR review that flagged the Turkish-Dutch player's offside position.

Late in stoppage time, NEC endured further frustration from an offside decision against Youssef El Kachati, who thought he had equalised at 2-2.