Crowded Gelredome inspires Vitesse, which takes crucial points against Go Ahead

Vitesse distanced themselves from the bottom places in the premier league. The buzzing Gelredome was reminiscent of the better times the club experienced in the past, and the home victory over Go Ahead Eagles (2-0) was a step in the right direction for the Arnheimers in that regard.

With home games against Excelsior, SC Cambuur and FC Groningen remaining in the remainder of the league, Vitesse has everything in its own hands to maintain its position.

The tough Go Ahead Eagles, which held Ajax to 0-0 last week and may secretly continue to look at the European playoffs, had practically nothing to contribute against the unleashed Vitesse. Maximilian Wittek curled in a free kick after twenty minutes and Mohamed Sankoh put the game away from a corner fifteen minutes after halftime.

The relief was great in Arnhem, where Vitesse has been in dire straits in recent months. Its license to continue playing professional soccer was even in question, as it failed to agree on a new lease for the stadium. Things were also going the wrong way for the club, with six games in a row without a win.

The fact that coach Phillip Cocu suffered appendicitis could have been added. But after first a liberating deal with Gelredome, three crucial points were taken with Chris van der Weerden on the bench.

That the leak is not yet over was evident in the closing stages. Go Ahead pressed on, with Isac Lidberg hitting the bar. But with the safe margin of two on the board, the game never became exciting again.