RKC pushes troubled Vitesse further toward relegation zone

Vitesse failed to end a tumultuous week with a good result. Visiting RKC Waalwijk, the Arnhemmers lost for the thirteenth time this season and so the relegation zone comes ever closer: 1-0.

Last Thursday, a professional license was secured through an agreement with the stadium owner, but whether the Gelredome will host another premier league club next season is becoming increasingly questionable.

Before the international break, Vitesse took a point against PSV after four defeats in a row, but that proved no prelude to a series of good results.

At RKC, Iliass Bel Hassani and Zakaria Bakkali had been left out of the selection by coach Joseph Oosting. It was a disciplinary punishment because of their behavior. What exactly was involved, Oosting would not say.

Michiel Kramer gave RKC a deserved lead midway through the first half. He scored with a nick, after a fine dribble from Mats Seuntjens.

Moments later, Florian Jozefzoon thought to crown a nice attack with the 2-0, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Sondre Tronstad was very close to the equalizer just before halftime, but his shot could just be turned away by goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen.

In the second half, Vitesse played with more guts and had good chances, but to the frustration of coach Phillip Cocu, they were unable to get past the excellent goalkeeper Vaessen.

Things were not going well for Vitesse either. Kramer and Seuntjes, who were also defending, were nailed to the ground on their own goal line when a ball went over the back line via their knees.