NAC Breda relegated in chaotic afternoon of Eredivisie survival drama

NAC Breda’s relegation was confirmed on Sunday in a match that was abandoned by the NAC supporters. NAC were winning 2-0 when supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch continuously in an effort to get the game abandoned. Telstar won with Volendam and Excelsior drawing, setting up a final-day showdown between Telstar and Volendam to avoid the relegation playoff. Excelsior confirmed their Eredivisie spot for next season with the draw.

All games were played at the same time due to the fact that this is the second-to-last match day of the season.

FC Volendam struck first on the day when Benjamin Pauwels cut inside and found the near corner in just the second minute away to Excelsior.

NAC, who knew they would need a near miracle to stay in the division, took the lead in the 36th minute. A cross was headed into the path of Boy Kemper, who smashed it hard into the far corner.

Excelsior equalized in the 38th minute against Volendam. A corner went right through the Volendam box before being knocked into the Volendam goal by their midfielder Gibson Yah.

Telstar broke the deadlock against already relegated Heracles Almelo in the 70th minute. A corner was headed onto the crossbar by Danny Bakker before Guus Offerhaus volleyed it into the net.

NAC doubled their lead with a penalty in the 74th minute. Once again, it was Boy Kemper who converted the chance. The game was abandoned later on after NAC supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch for a second time.

Telstar also doubled their lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute. A low cross from Patrick Brouwer was slid into the goal by Tyrese Noslin. They completed the scoring five minutes later when Noslin followed up his goal with an assist to Jeff Hardeveld.

Excelsior and Volendam were both happy with a point and played out the game with both sides not doing anything and letting the other have the ball. This was followed by big celebrations in Rotterdam, where Excelsior were celebrating another season in the Eredivisie.

Volendam face Telstar at home next weekend. Currently. Volendam is in the relegation playoff spot with 32 points. Telstar has two points more and therefore only needs a draw to stay in the division.