Excelsior Rotterdam U21 delivered a statement performance in the Netherlands U21 competition, dismantling AFC Reserve 5-1. The away side were ruthless in front of goal, converting their dominance into a convincing victory that underlined their quality in the youth setup.

Match Overview

Excelsior Rotterdam U21 arrived with clear intent and never allowed AFC Reserve to settle. Their pressing was aggressive, their passing crisp and their finishing clinical, and by the time the final whistle blew the scoreline reflected a match in which one team was significantly sharper than the other.

• Final score: AFC Reserve 1-5 Excelsior Rotterdam U21
• Competition: Netherlands U21
• Match date: 12 September 2026
• Result: Away win

First Half: Excelsior Take Control

The visitors took the lead early and controlled proceedings from that point on. AFC Reserve struggled to build any sustained rhythm, repeatedly losing possession in dangerous areas and being punished for it. Excelsior's movement off the ball was excellent, pulling the home defence out of position and creating a steady stream of chances. By half-time the contest was already tilting firmly in the visitors' favour.

Second Half: Ruthless Finishing

Excelsior did not ease off after the interval. They added to their tally with a series of well-worked goals, combining quick one-twos with direct running that AFC Reserve simply could not contain. The home side did manage a consolation goal, a rare bright moment on a difficult evening, but it did little to change the momentum of a match that was long since decided.

Tactical Story

Excelsior Rotterdam U21's success stemmed from their intensity without the ball. Their high press forced AFC Reserve into rushed decisions, and their transition from defence to attack was swift and purposeful. AFC Reserve, by contrast, defended too passively and left too much space between the lines, allowing Excelsior's attacking players to operate freely in the final third.

Standout Performers

• Excelsior Rotterdam U21 attack: Five goals from a range of different patterns, showing both quality and variety.
• Excelsior midfield: Dictated the tempo and won the ball back high up the pitch time and again.
• AFC Reserve: Showed resilience to keep pushing and were rewarded with a consolation goal.

Season Impact

A 5-1 away win is exactly the kind of result that builds momentum in the Netherlands U21 competition. Excelsior Rotterdam U21 will take real confidence from such a dominant display, particularly the clinical edge in front of goal. For AFC Reserve, the defeat is a clear reminder of the standards required at this level, and they will need to tighten up defensively to avoid further heavy scorelines.