Eredivisie Recap: Willem II Faces Relegation Threat as ‘s-Hertogenbosch Match Ends Goalless

Following the opening matches of the semi-finals in the Eredivisie promotion play-offs, FC Dordrecht landed a significant early blow, while FC Den Bosch and Telstar ended their encounter without a score.

FC Den Bosch vs Telstar: 0-0

In a match lacking excitement in ‘s Hertogenbosch, both FC Den Bosch and Telstar finished the first leg of their play-off semi-final without finding the net. The hosts had a half-chance in the opening period when Greek forward Konstantinos Doumtsios blasted a shot over the bar after a well-placed low cross from Byron Burgering, but failed to produce anything further of note.

Telstar, who advanced past ADO Den Haag in the quarter-finals, had one opportunity in the first half courtesy of their leading scorer Youssef El Kachati, but he was unable to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Pepijn van de Merbel. In the second half, FC Den Bosch nearly broke the deadlock again, but Sheddy Barglan’s redirected shot just skimmed past Ronald Koeman Jr.’s goal.

The return leg is scheduled for Friday, May 23rd, in Velsen-Zuid.

FC Dordrecht vs Willem II: 2-1

It was a tough outing for Eredivisie outfit Willem II, who fell 2-1 to FC Dordrecht in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Willem II, fresh off winning the Keuken Kampioen Divisie in 2024 but who found themselves in relegation play-offs after a winless second half of the Eredivisie season, started poorly and were trailing 2-0 within the first thirty minutes. Devin Haen and Sem Valk scored for the home side, both being set up by an impressive Jari Schuurman.

However, the visitors responded before the half-time whistle with a goal from Ringo Meerveld, who netted following a dazzling solo run in Dordrecht’s penalty area.

Willem II ramped up the pressure in the second half, launching a barrage of attempts on Dordrecht’s goal. The visitors were denied a penalty just after the break when Emilio Kehrer was shoved in the back, but referee Rob Dieperink refrained from awarding the spot-kick.

Schuurman, the assist maestro, nearly extended Dordrecht’s lead to 3-1 with a shot aimed at Thomas Didillon-Hodl’s near post, but the Frenchman managed to deflect it to safety.

A frustrated Willem II could not find the net again, managing only three shots on target from 19 attempts in the second half against the resolute Celton Biai. With a 2-1 advantage, FC Dordrecht will travel to Tilburg on Saturday, May 24th, where they will continue their chase for a place in the play-off final.