NAC Breda secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over KSC Lokeren in their International Club Friendly on July 25, 2026. The match, played at the Daknamstadion in Lokeren, saw the Belgian side host the Dutch visitors from the Eerste Divisie. It was a competitive encounter that provided both teams with a solid test of their pre-season fitness and tactical cohesion.

Match Overview

Both sides approached the friendly with a serious intent, resulting in a match that had more intensity than a typical pre-season run-out. Lokeren started brightly on home soil, but NAC Breda grew into the game and eventually took control. The 2-1 scoreline flattered the home side slightly, as the Dutch team created more clear chances and showed greater composure in key moments.

The result gives NAC Breda a morale-boosting win as they build towards the start of their season. For Lokeren, the defeat offers clear areas for improvement, particularly in defensive concentration and maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes.

Key Moments and Goals

• NAC Breda strike first: The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute. A quick passing move down the left flank ended with a cross that was headed home by an unmarked midfielder, who had ghosted into the box. 1-0 to Breda.
• Lokeren equalise swiftly: The home side responded almost immediately. Within five minutes, Lokeren levelled when a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to nip in and poke the ball past the NAC goalkeeper. 1-1, and the game was alive.
• Decisive second for NAC: The winning goal came just before half-time. A free kick from a dangerous area was curled into the box. The initial header was saved, but the rebound fell to a NAC forward who made no mistake from close range. 2-1 at the break.
• Second-half stalemate: The second half saw both sides create half-chances, but neither could add to the scoreline. NAC Breda controlled possession, while Lokeren pushed for an equaliser that never materialised.

Tactical Assessment

NAC Breda lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with an emphasis on pressing and quick vertical passes. Their midfield duo protected the backline effectively and started attacks through the speedy wide players. The two goals came from set pieces and crosses, showing their aerial threat. Defensively, they were solid after the equaliser, only allowing speculative efforts from distance.

KSC Lokeren used a 3-5-2 formation, trying to overload the midfield. This worked early on, but they were caught out by the pace of NAC's transitions. The equalising goal came from a pressing situation, showing their potential, but the conceded goals from free kicks and crosses exposed vulnerabilities in zonal marking. The team tired in the final 20 minutes, allowing NAC to see out the game comfortably.

Player Performances

• NAC Breda's match-winner: The forward who scored the decisive second goal was a constant threat. His movement and finishing were first-rate.
• Lokeren's goalscorer: Showed sharp instincts to equalise. He worked hard throughout but lacked service in the second half.
• NAC Breda's midfield anchor: Broke up play efficiently and distributed the ball smartly. A key figure in controlling the game's tempo.

Pre-Season Context

For NAC Breda, the 2-1 win is a positive step in their preparations. The ability to recover from a quick equaliser and regain the lead before half-time shows mental resilience. The players executed the tactical plan well, especially in the final third. For KSC Lokeren, the defeat highlights the need for better concentration during set pieces and a sharper defensive transition. However, the equaliser showed they can fight back, and the friendly will have provided a valuable physical workout. Both teams now look ahead to their final pre-season fixtures before competitive action begins.