kleine club, grote dag: nec schopt psv uit beker
Nijmegen, dinsdag, 3 maart 2026.
nec nijmegen heeft psv eindhoven uitgeschakeld in de knvb beker. de thuisploeg won 3-2 in het goffertstadion. dit is de eerste keer sinds 1978 dat nec in de finale staat. de club uit gelderland versloeg de landskampioen ondanks dat psv 75 procent balbezit had. basar önal maakte het winnende doelpunt. de keeper jasper cillessen redde cruciale kansen. fans stormden het veld na de laatste fluit. de sensatie zorgt voor landelijke verbazing. nec bereikte nog nooit de bekerwinst. de finale is op 19 april in rotterdam.
shock in nijmegen as nec overturns psv dominance
NEC Nijmegen stunned league leaders PSV Eindhoven with a 3-2 victory in the KNVB Beker semifinal at the Goffertstadion on March 3, 2026 [1]. Despite PSV controlling 75% of possession [2], NEC advanced to their sixth cup final in club history [3]. This marks their first appearance since 1978 [4]. The underdogs defied expectations by capitalizing on limited opportunities, ending a four-match winless streak [2]. The atmosphere surged as fans celebrated what many called a historic upset against the defending champions [3][4].
early momentum shifts with rapid scoring
Bryan Linssen opened the scoring for NEC in the sixth minute following a rebound after Matej Kovar failed to secure the initial shot [2]. PSV responded quickly through Ismael Saibari’s header in the 16th minute [2]. Dennis Man then put PSV ahead just three minutes later with a composed finish [2]. NEC leveled before halftime when Eli Dasa converted a loose ball into a volley after a blocked attempt by Noe Lebreton [2]. The first-half exchanges showcased NEC’s resilience despite PSV’s territorial control [2][5].
önal strikes to seal surprise outcome
The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when substitute Basar Önal scored from a cross delivered by Noe Lebreton [2]. His goal gave NEC a 3-2 lead they would protect until the final whistle [1]. Although PSV maintained high possession figures afterward, they were unable to create clear chances [2]. Jasper Cillessen made critical saves late in the game, including denying Armando Obispo and stopping a close-range effort that struck the post [2][4]. The win underscores NEC’s effective counterattacking strategy and defensive resolve [5].
emotional aftermath and national reaction
Players and staff erupted in celebration as the final whistle confirmed NEC’s place in the Dutch Cup final [3]. Supporters flooded onto the pitch, overwhelming security personnel in spontaneous jubilation [4]. Team captain Tjaronn Chery described the win as earned through passion and collective effort, praising manager Rogier Meijer’s halftime instructions [4]. Meanwhile, PSV skipper Jerdy Schouten lamented lapses in concentration, particularly in the second half where his side deviated from its usual gameplay [4]. National media swiftly labeled the result one of the tournament’s biggest shocks [2][5].
path forward amid unprecedented achievement
NEC now prepares for the final on April 19, 2026, at De Kuip in Rotterdam [2][4]. They face either AZ Alkmaar or Telstar, whose tie remains unresolved [2]. While NEC has never lifted the KNVB Beker trophy in six appearances, the club believes this edition offers their best opportunity [4]. Coach Rogier Meijer emphasized tactical discipline and mental strength as key factors behind the victory [4]. With domestic league commitments continuing, balancing squad rotation becomes essential ahead of the showpiece event [3][4].