Cambuur vs NEC Nijmegen: Reeling From Penalty Heartbreak
Published
Cambuur take on NEC Nijmegen at the Kooi Stadion in Leeuwarden this Saturday for matchday six of the 2026 Eredivisie season. The hosts are desperate to secure their first league victory following a calamitous collapse, while the visitors arrive looking to consolidate a solid start to their campaign.
Cambuur's Dismal Form Guide
Cambuur have endured a torrid start to their Eredivisie campaign. Opening the season with a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Feyenoord, they went on to suffer four consecutive league defeats. Their most recent outing against Telstar perfectly encapsulated their struggles; despite holding a commanding two-goal advantage against ten men, Cambuur imploded. They conceded a 101st-minute equaliser to Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr, who converted his second penalty of the match to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw. That devastating result leaves them languishing at the bottom of the table.
NEC Nijmegen Seek Consistency
In contrast, NEC Nijmegen have enjoyed a more productive opening phase under manager Schreuder. The visitors boast two wins from their early fixtures, displaying an attacking verve that has yielded eight goals so far. Their forward line has been clinical, with experienced playmaker Tjaronn Chery recently netting a brace. NEC will also be buoyed by the successful return of Darko Nejasmic, who marked his comeback from injury with a stunning first-time volley in a recent high-profile clash against Feyenoord.
Team News and Injury Latest
Cambuur enter the weekend with ongoing personnel issues. Daan Visser remains their only confirmed long-term absentee as he continues his lengthy rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained early last season. Furthermore, defender Jorn Berkhout is a significant doubt after being forced off injured in a recent defeat to Twente.
For NEC Nijmegen, the treatment room is considerably busier. Schreuder will have to navigate an injury crisis that has sidelined Sami Ouaissa, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Thomas Ouwejan, and Yassin Moslih in recent weeks, leaving his options heavily depleted across both defence and midfield.
A defensive reset will be paramount for Cambuur if they are to end their miserable run. NEC, meanwhile, will sense a prime opportunity to capitalise on their hosts' fragile confidence. A solid performance from the visitors could cement their place in the top half, while Cambuur must find a way to halt the rot before their season spirals beyond repair.
