The hallowed turf of Sportpark Middelmors in Rijnsburg is set to host a classic KNVB Cup encounter as lower-league hopefuls Rijnsburgse Boys welcome Eredivisie giants NEC Nijmegen on October 30, 2025. This fixture, kicking off at 17:45 UTC, embodies the very essence of cup football: a David-versus-Goliath battle where dreams of a giant-killing act clash with the pedigree and professionalism of a top-tier side. For Rijnsburgse Boys, this is a chance to etch their name in club folklore, while for NEC, it’s an opportunity to assert their dominance and progress deeper into a competition where they will undoubtedly harbor ambitions of a strong run. Will the ‘Uien’ (Onions) cause a monumental upset on their home ground, or will NEC’s superior class prevail?
Head-to-Head History: A Scarce Encounter
Meetings between these two clubs are a rarity, with only one previous competitive fixture recorded. That solitary encounter also took place in the KNVB Cup, back on November 11, 2008. On that occasion, NEC Nijmegen emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Rijnsburgse Boys.
- Total matches played: 1
- Rijnsburgse Boys wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- NEC Nijmegen wins: 1
- Recent Result: NEC Nijmegen 1-0 Rijnsburgse Boys (KNVB Cup, 2008)
This history, while minimal, adds a layer of intrigue, as Rijnsburgse Boys will be keen to avenge that past defeat on their own patch.
Current Form & Team News
Rijnsburgse Boys (Tweede Divisie)
The home side, currently competing in the Tweede Divisie, has shown a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, indicating both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five league matches, their form stands at: W-L-W-D-D (most recent first).
- October 25, 2025: De Treffers 1-1 Rijnsburgse Boys (D)
- October 18, 2025: ACV Assen 3-3 Rijnsburgse Boys (D)
- October 11, 2025: Rijnsburgse Boys 5-1 BVV Barendrecht (W)
- October 4, 2025: Jong Almere City FC 5-1 Rijnsburgse Boys (L)
- September 27, 2025: Rijnsburgse Boys 3-0 AFC Amsterdamsche (W)
Notably, Rijnsburgse Boys have drawn their last two games and are undefeated in their last two home matches. Their matches have consistently seen over 1.5 goals in their last seven fixtures, and they’ve scored at least one goal in all of those games. Key attacking threats include Mark van der Weijden, who has scored 8 goals, and I. Kariouh and Ezechiel Fiemawhle, both with 3 goals this season. There are no widely reported significant injuries or suspensions for Rijnsburgse Boys specifically for this match.
NEC Nijmegen (Eredivisie)
NEC comes into this cup tie after a challenging run in the Eredivisie, characterized by a series of draws. Their last five league matches show a form of: L-W-D-D-D (most recent first).
- October 25, 2025: PEC Zwolle 2-2 NEC Nijmegen (D)
- October 18, 2025: NEC Nijmegen 3-3 Twente (D)
- October 5, 2025: Go Ahead Eagles 1-1 NEC Nijmegen (D)
- September 28, 2025: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 AZ Alkmaar (W)
- September 21, 2025: Heerenveen 3-2 NEC Nijmegen (L)
NEC is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak, though the last three have been draws. Their matches are typically high-scoring, with over 1.5 goals in their last 15 games and over 2.5 goals in their last two. They have also managed to score at least one goal in their last 15 outings.
In terms of team news, NEC faces several injury concerns. Forward Koki Ogawa is nursing a hamstring injury with an expected return of November 2, 2025. Basar Önal is sick, with a 25% chance of returning by November 2. Defender Jetro Willems has a 25% chance of being available for this match. Other notable absentees include Freek Entius and Bram Nuytinck, whose return dates are unknown. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is out due to intestinal surgery, while midfielder Dirk Proper is sidelined with a head injury, and Bryan Linssen has an unknown injury. These absences could force coach Rogier Meijer into significant squad rotation, potentially offering opportunities for fringe players.
Tactical Preview
This KNVB Cup clash presents a classic tactical dilemma. Rijnsburgse Boys, playing at their home ground, Sportpark Middelmors, will likely adopt a disciplined, organized defensive shape, aiming to frustrate their Eredivisie opponents. They will look to absorb pressure and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, utilizing the pace of players like Mark van der Weijden and Ilias Kariouh. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Rijnsburgse Boys needing to break up NEC’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating play.
NEC Nijmegen, despite their injury woes, possesses superior technical quality and depth. They are expected to dominate possession, pushing their full-backs high and using their wingers and creative midfielders to unlock Rijnsburgse Boys’ defense. Given their recent trend of high-scoring matches, NEC will likely employ an attacking philosophy, aiming for an early goal to settle nerves and force their lower-league opponents out of their defensive shell. Players like Tjaronn Chery, if fit and playing, could be instrumental in creating chances. The significant quality gap could allow NEC to play a more expansive game, even with potential squad rotation due to the upcoming Eredivisie fixtures.
The weather conditions in the Netherlands are not expected to be a major factor, and travel fatigue will be minimal for both Dutch teams. The pitch at Sportpark Middelmors, while familiar to the home side, is unlikely to pose significant challenges to the Eredivisie outfit.
