NEC finally got on the board in European competition on Thursday, sharing a 1-1 draw with Levski Sofia in Nijmegen. Tjarron Chery scored the home side's equalizer after Reinaldo had given the visitors the lead in the first half. The point was the club's first in the Europa League, and it came in a match with plenty of history behind it. This was NEC's first home game in the league phase of a European competition in 18 years. The Nijmegen side earned their place by finishing third in the Eredivisie last season, the best league finish the club has ever recorded.
2 hours Ago
Early Chances and a Costly Mistake
It has been a busy stretch for NEC. They drew 1-1 at the Johan Cruijff Arena last weekend, and this was their second stalemate in a row. That is a far cry from their opening Europa League match a few weeks ago, when they were beaten 5-0 by Juventus.
The home side nearly struck first in the 14th minute. Tom Bischoff whipped a good cross into the box for Chery, whose close-range header was saved. The rebound fell to Kevin Kers, but he blasted it well over the bar.
Levski had a goal chalked off in that same minute after defender Perr Schuurs made two errors in quick succession. He was not so lucky the second time around. In the 35th minute, Reinaldo, who had already slipped past the NEC back line once earlier in the half, spun away from Schuurs in a one-on-one and placed his shot into the far corner.
The goal was legitimate, and NEC trailed.
A Gift From the Goalkeeper
NEC got a helping hand in the 64th minute. Levski keeper Svetoslav Vutsov tried to play a pass out, but it went straight to Chery.
The forward had an empty net in front of him and made no mistake.
The closing stages were short on quality chances. NEC pushed hard for a winner, yet they rarely made Vutsov work.
What Comes Next
There is little time to feel sorry for the missed chance. Fortuna Sittard visit Nijmegen on Sunday, and Dick Schr.
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