“Anselmo García MacNulty breaks the deadlock, finishing to give PEC Zwolle a 1-0 lead that would prove to be all they needed on the day.”
Pivotal“Djevencio van der Kust picks up a yellow card for a foul, adding to an increasingly ill-tempered first half that saw three bookings before the break.”
“A notable moment involving Koen Kostons in the closing stages as Zwolle looked to see out the win, keeping Heracles at arm's length in the dying minutes.”
PEC Zwolle
Heracles Almelo
Outstanding performance
PEC Zwolle•DefenderPEC Zwolle did what few sides manage against a possession-heavy Heracles Almelo — they struck early, defended deep, and ground out a result. Anselmo García MacNulty's 19th-minute goal was the decisive moment in a match Zwolle never truly controlled by the ball, finishing with just 45% possession and nine shots to Heracles' 14. Yet efficiency told the story: Zwolle registered five shots on target to Heracles' three, and their 16 tackles underscored the defensive industry that kept a dangerous Almelo side at bay. The match turned significantly in the 63rd minute when Sem Scheperman received a second yellow card, reducing Heracles to ten men and effectively ending their realistic hopes of finding an equaliser. For PEC Zwolle, the three points consolidate a promising run of form and push them further up the Eredivisie standings, while Heracles will reflect on a performance where they created the chances — two big opportunities missed — but lacked the composure to convert when it mattered most.
How entertaining was this match?
Koen KostonsVAR decision results in a disallowed goal for Koen Kostons due to offside.
Koen KostonsKoen Kostons takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
Tristan van Gilst takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Luka Kulenovic's right-footed shot is blocked.
Tristan Gooijer is on, and Sheral Floranus is off.
Nick Fichtinger's left-footed shot is saved.
Mimeirhel Benita takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Nick Fichtinger is substituted for Odysseus Velanas.
Jamiro Gregory Monteiro Alvarenga comes on for Ryan Thomas.
Sava-Arangel Cestic comes on for Jan Zamburek.
Jan Zamburek takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Sherel FloranusYellow CardSheral Floranus receives a yellow card.
Tristan van Gilst takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Zico Buurmeester takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Sem Scheperman receives a second yellow card.
Sem Scheperman receives a yellow card.
Erik Ahlstrand replaces Mario Engels.
Bryan Limbombe Ekango comes on for Walid Ould Chikh.
Tristan van Gilst takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Koen Kostons takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Jannes Luca Wieckhoff is on, and Djevencio van der Kust is off.
Walid Ould Chikh takes a right-footed shot but misses.
The first half ends with a score of 1-0.
Djevencio van der Kust receives a yellow card.
Walid Ould Chikh takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Odysseus Velanas takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Koen Kostons takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Olivier Aertssen attempts a header but misses the shot.
Alec Van Hoorenbeeck receives a yellow card.
Luka Kulenovic takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Tristan van Gilst takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Tristan van Gilst takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Ryan Thomas receives a yellow card.
Anselmo García MacNultyAnselmo Garcia McNulty takes a left-footed shot and scores.
Djevencio van der Kust's left-footed shot is blocked.
Odysseus Velanas takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Sem Scheperman takes a left-footed shot but misses.
