NEC's Europa League Humbling and Redemption: A Story of Rebuilding and Resilience

For NEC Nijmegen, the return to European football after an 18-year absence has been a baptism by fire. The club’s first Europa League league-phase match in September ended in a 5-0 thrashing by Juventus in Turin, a result that laid bare the challenges of rebuilding a squad after losing key players. But on October 15, NEC showed signs of recovery by securing a 1-1 home draw against Levski Sofia, earning their first European point. For expats and internationals following Dutch football, this story is a reminder of how difficult it can be to integrate new talent – a theme that resonates far beyond the pitch.

A Humbling Start in Turin

NEC’s European campaign began on September 17, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium. The Nijmegen side, managed by Dick Schreuder, were outclassed from the start. Stand-in goalkeeper Nikolas Polster, filling in for the suspended Gonzalo Crettaz, made a costly error in the ninth minute that gifted Juventus striker Nico Gonzalez an easy opener. By halftime, Juventus led 3-0, with further goals from Kerim Alajbegovic and a Nick Woltemade penalty. Two more goals in the second half completed the 5-0 rout [Source: NL Times].

Schreuder did not mince words afterward. “I don’t see any uncertainty in the squad, but the new players are having a tough time,” he told Omroep Gelderland [Source: DutchNews]. NEC had lost key midfielders Kodai Sano and Sami Ouaissa to PSV in the summer, and their marquee signing was 38-year-old Dusan Tadic, formerly of Ajax. The new recruits, Schreuder explained, “haven’t had time to develop” and were “finding the Eredivisie challenging” even before facing European opposition.

A Point Earned Against Levski Sofia

Nearly a month later, on October 15, NEC played their first home European match in 18 years. They faced Bulgarian side Levski Sofia at the Goffertstadion. The first half was tense: Levski’s Reinaldo scored in the 35th minute after capitalizing on defensive errors from Perr Schuurs. But NEC fought back. In the 64th minute, Levski goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov played a pass straight to Tjarron Chery, who slotted the ball into an empty net for the equalizer. The match ended 1-1, giving NEC their first Europa League point [Source: NL Times].

For international fans, this draw is more than a scoreline. It shows a team learning to adapt – much like newcomers to the Netherlands must adjust to a new culture, language, and bureaucracy. Just as new NEC signings struggled to find their rhythm, many expats face a steep learning curve when dealing with Dutch institutions like the gemeente (municipality) or applying for a toeslag (benefit). The patience and persistence that NEC showed against Levski Sofia mirror the resilience needed to navigate life in a new country.

What’s Next for NEC?

NEC’s next Europa League fixture is away to Dinamo Zagreb on October 22. The team also has domestic duties, with Fortuna Sittard visiting Nijmegen on October 18. Manager Schreuder will need to balance the physical demands of European competition with the Eredivisie campaign, where NEC has also had a poor start. For now, the draw against Levski offers a glimmer of hope – a reminder that even after a heavy defeat, recovery is possible.

For expats in the Netherlands, following a club like NEC is a way to connect with local culture. Whether you’re at the Goffertstadion or watching from home, the team’s journey mirrors the challenges and rewards of building a new life far from home.