NEC snag late draw in thrilling stoppage time from key Champions League battle versus Feyenoord

Before the crucial Sunday encounter, NEC and Feyenoord sat only one point behind each other, the visitors holding second spot and poised to claim a straight path to the League Phase of the upcoming UEFA Champions League.

With Anis Hadj Moussa returning to Feyenoords lineup and Raheem Sterling benched for debutant Tobias van den Elshout, the match kicked off balanced, as neither NEC nor Feyenoord managed more than small opportunities in the opening quarter hour.

Leading Eredivisie marksman Ayase Ueda unlocked the contest, demonstrating his heading skill with a superb effort off Hadj Moussas corner to give Feyenoord the lead just shy of the 20 minute mark.

The home team dominated thereafter, yet struggled to overcome Feyenoords advantage, with Ahmetcan Kaplan heading wide and Bryan Linssen squandering a breakaway chance.

Following misses from Ueda and Hadj Moussa against Gonzalo Crettaz that might have extended Feyenoords cushion, NECs Darko Nejasmic threatened via a set piece corner, although he likewise could not alter the 1-0 result in Nijmegen.

An intense closing stretch of 10 minutes featured NEC mounting intense attacks and earning a golden opportunity for ex Feyenoord forward Danilo Pereira, who latched onto a kind deflection but lofted his effort above Timon Wellenreuthers crossbar with time ebbing away.

Danilo ultimately claimed his moment, smashing a half volley from Sami Ouaissas delivery into Wellenreuthers near post to level affairs in the 97th minute, preserving NECs hopes in the race for second position.

The result maintained the single point separation between second placed Feyenoord and pursuing NEC, with four fixtures remaining. Feyenoord enjoy a break next week while NEC and AZ contest the KNVB Beker final in Rotterdam on Sunday, April 19th.