Excelsior Aim to Extend Flying Start Against Wounded NEC Nijmegen

On Saturday evening in Tilburg, Irakli Yegoian drilled a 75th-minute strike into the near corner to seal a 3-0 Excelsior victory over Willem II. That emphatic finish capped a dominant away performance and pushed the newly promoted Rotterdam club to nine points from their opening four matches of the 2026 Eredivisie campaign. Now, just 72 hours later, Excelsior travel to the Goffertstadion to face NEC Nijmegen in a rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture, looking to extend a flying start that has defied preseason expectations. The quick turnaround leaves little room for tactical overhauls, placing a premium on the momentum Excelsior built over the weekend.[1][3][7]

The visitors arrive in Nijmegen operating with ruthless efficiency in the final third. Against Willem II, David Garden opened the scoring inside eight minutes, converting a cross from Yegoian, before a Rick Meissen header from a corner doubled the advantage just past the half-hour mark. Excelsior have consistently shown they can strike early and manage games from a winning position, boasting 46 percent average possession but a sharp 59.26 percent shooting accuracy across their opening fixtures. This clinical edge has allowed them to punish teams that commit numbers forward.[1][2]

Excelsior's tactical setup has relied heavily on precise deliveries into the penalty area, with four of their seven league goals coming from headers before the weekend. The Rotterdam side has seamlessly transitioned back to top-flight football, utilizing set pieces and wide play to dismantle opponents who dominate the ball but lack a cutting edge. By prioritizing verticality over sterile possession, they have established a blueprint that maximizes the output of their attacking wide players and central targets.[2]

NEC Nijmegen, meanwhile, step onto their home pitch licking their wounds after a 1-3 defeat to Feyenoord on Saturday afternoon. Despite Darko Nejasmic equalizing in the 55th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box, NEC were undone by a quickfire double from Luciano Valente and Jerayno Schaken. The loss halted the momentum of a squad that had started the campaign brightly, picking up away wins against PEC Zwolle and Willem II while showcasing an expansive brand of football.[2][4][6]

The hosts have demonstrated clear attacking intent this season, driven by the creative output of veteran Dusan Tadic and top scorer Tjaronn Chery, who entered the weekend with three league goals. Before the Feyenoord reality check, NEC had averaged 62 percent possession and an 82.13 percent passing accuracy, dictating the tempo in their opening victories. Re-establishing that rhythm will be the primary objective for the coaching staff as they prepare to face an Excelsior side that thrives on disrupting passing lanes.[2][6]

The tactical battle on Tuesday will likely hinge on whether NEC can re-establish that midfield control against an Excelsior side comfortable absorbing pressure and striking on the counter. NEC's defense, anchored by Bram Nuytinck, will need to tighten up after allowing Feyenoord to dictate terms in the final third and generate 19.5 shots per game on average. Preventing Excelsior from winning early set pieces will be crucial, given the visitors' proven proficiency in the air.[5][6]

With both sides operating on short rest, squad rotation and depth will play a decisive role at the Goffertstadion. Excelsior will rely on the playmaking of Simon Janssen, who provided a crucial assist at the weekend and leads the team in big chances created. They are navigating the absence of Noah Naujoks, whose two early-season goals made him a key source of end product before his injury. Managing fatigue while maintaining tactical discipline will test the depth of the Rotterdam squad.[1][2][3]

For NEC, the focus remains on supplying strikers Kaj Sierhuis and Bryan Linssen, who were largely isolated during the Feyenoord defeat. The hosts are also managing a lengthy injury list, with Philippe Sandler, Deveron Fonville, and Yassin Moslih sidelined. The 16:45 UTC kickoff presents a rapid turnaround, testing the physical conditioning of two squads with distinct early-season trajectories. The Goffertstadion crowd will demand a response, setting the stage for a high-stakes Eredivisie clash where early momentum hangs in the balance.[2][6][7]