Cillessen and Tannane help NEC to crucial win at RKC in battle for playoffs

NEC has done excellent business in the battle for the playoffs for European soccer. The Nijmegen players dealt direct competitor RKC Waalwijk a heavy blow: 1-3.

The resounding figures were due to two players in particular. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made several crucial saves and Oussama Tannane was also worth his weight in gold with two hard shots between the posts.

Because the balance of power was really not as great as the score after half an hour suggested.

Tannane surprised Etienne Vaessen with a quick foot movement and a hard effort into the short corner (0-1), after which Elayis Tavsan turned inside and swished 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 beam (0-3).

The game could have taken another remarkable turn after halftime. After a penalty for NEC was overturned on the advice of the video referee, Vurnon Anita pushed in the 1-3 after a clever move by Mats Seuntjens outside the box. And both before (Michiel Kramer) and after (Julen Lobete) RKC missed a huge opportunity.

Still, there was little to detract from the Nijmegen victory in the end. Because when the ball did go to the spot after interference from VAR, Tannane should have completed his hat-trick. Vaessen, however, chose the right corner and turned the penalty.

Tavsan, in turn, was unlucky that his shot just missed the inside of the post and Andri Baldursson missed a great opportunity in front of Vaessen.

Thus ended a very attractive game with only four goals and NEC has the important spot eight in its hands. If Spakenburg does not win the cup, that final ranking is in principle enough to enter the playoffs.

Sc Heerenveen, which plays FC Groningen on Sunday, is also still in the race. Just like RKC, which still has a catch-up game with Go Ahead Eagles to play and still has one loss point less than NEC.