FC Volendam 1-2 Telstar: Eredivisie 2025-26 match report

The opening

The atmosphere at the Kras Stadion on Sunday afternoon suggested a high-stakes encounter, and the match began with immediate intensity. Rick Kruys’ FC Volendam side, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, signaled their intent within the first two minutes. A fluid attacking sequence saw Juninho Bacuna provide the creative spark, delivering a precise ball that found A. Descotte. Descotte made no mistake, finishing clinically to put the hosts ahead before the match had truly settled into a rhythm.

The early goal forced Telstar, operating under coach Anthony Correia’s 3-4-3 system, to adjust their defensive shape. While Volendam enjoyed the initial momentum, the game soon became a physical battle in the middle third. Y. Leliendal’s yellow card in the 27th minute served as evidence of the hosts' aggressive approach to stifling Telstar’s attempts to build from the back. However, Telstar remained disciplined in their structure, waiting for an opening in the Volendam defensive line. Just before the halftime whistle, their patience was rewarded. In the 44th minute, J. Hardeveld provided the delivery for D. Bakker, who converted to level the score at 1-1 heading into the interval.

The decisive moment

The second half began with a noticeable increase in tension. Both managers sought to exert control through tactical adjustments and personnel changes. Volendam’s N. Verschuren picked up a caution in the 50th minute, highlighting the difficulty the home side faced in containing Telstar’s wing-backs. By the hour mark, the tactical chess match was in full swing. Anthony Correia looked to his bench, introducing S. van Duijn, T. Noslin, and K. Tejan in a triple substitution between the 66th and 67th minutes to inject fresh energy into the final third.

Rick Kruys responded by refreshing his attacking options, bringing on B. Ould-Chikh and N. Bukala in the 70th minute, followed by G. Yah and a second appearance for N. Verschuren in the 81st minute. Despite the flurry of changes, the game appeared to be drifting toward a draw as both defenses held firm.

The turning point occurred in the 86th minute. A challenge inside the Volendam penalty area prompted a VAR review, which ultimately confirmed a spot-kick for the visitors. R. Koeman, who had been a steady presence in the Telstar setup, stepped up to the spot. Despite receiving a yellow card in the 89th minute, Koeman maintained his composure to convert the penalty, securing a 2-1 lead for Telstar. The late goal effectively drained the remaining time from the clock, leaving Volendam with little opportunity to mount a response.

Looking ahead

The result at the Kras Stadion leaves FC Volendam reflecting on a missed opportunity to capitalize on an early lead. For Telstar, the victory serves as a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in executing a comeback away from home. Both teams will now need to evaluate their defensive lapses and clinical efficiency as they prepare for the final stages of the Eredivisie campaign.