De Graafschap 1-2 NAC Breda: Breda Edge Eerste Divisie Battle at De Vijverberg

NAC Breda claimed a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over De Graafschap in the Netherlands Eerste Divisie on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at De Vijverberg. The win strengthens NAC Breda's push at the top end of the table, while De Graafschap were left to rue a series of missed chances in front of their home supporters.

In a match played at a high tempo, NAC Breda took the lead through Elías Már Ómarsson before Devin Haen levelled for the hosts. Matthew Garbett then struck the winner in the second half, ensuring the three points travelled back to Breda.

Match Overview

De Graafschap started with intent, pressing high and forcing NAC Breda into early clearances. The hosts enjoyed more possession in the opening quarter, but NAC's compact 4-2-3-1 shape limited space between the lines. The visitors looked dangerous on the break, and that threat told in the 23rd minute.

Elías Már Ómarsson opened the scoring with a composed finish after a quick transition. Sigurd Haugen carried the ball into the channel and slipped a pass into the box, where Ómarsson took one touch before placing his shot beyond the goalkeeper. It was a goal that reflected NAC Breda's clinical approach.

De Graafschap responded well. Their midfield trio began to win more second balls, and the equaliser arrived in the 58th minute. Giovanni Büttner found space on the left and delivered a low cross that Devin Haen converted from close range. The home crowd erupted, and for a period it looked as though De Graafschap might go on to win.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal, NAC Breda: Elías Már Ómarsson finished calmly after a rapid counter-attack involving Sigurd Haugen.
• 41' – Chance, De Graafschap: Mimoun Mahi curled an effort just wide after a neat exchange on the edge of the box.
• 58' – Goal, De Graafschap: Devin Haen tapped in from Giovanni Büttner's low cross.
• 78' – Goal, NAC Breda: Matthew Garbett restored the lead with a low drive from the edge of the area.
• 90+3' – Save: NAC goalkeeper Roy Kortsmit denied De Graafschap an equaliser with a strong stop at the near post.

Tactical Story

NAC Breda's game plan was built on discipline and quick vertical passes. Their midfield duo of Casper Staring and Matthew Garbett protected the back four, while the front three of Aimé Omgba, Elías Már Ómarsson and Sigurd Haugen constantly rotated to create overloads. The winning goal came from exactly that pattern: a turnover in midfield, a short pass into Garbett, and a shot taken early before the defence could set.

De Graafschap, by contrast, controlled long spells without creating enough clear-cut chances. Their full-backs pushed high, but NAC's wingers tracked back effectively. The hosts' best moments came when Büttner isolated his marker on the left, yet the final ball was often crowded out by NAC's centre-backs.

Standout Players

Elías Már Ómarsson was a constant menace for NAC Breda. His movement stretched the De Graafschap defence, and his opening goal set the tone for the visitors' counter-attacking performance. Matthew Garbett produced the decisive moment, combining energy in midfield with a calm finish for the winner.

For De Graafschap, Devin Haen was the brightest attacking outlet and took his goal well. Giovanni Büttner also impressed with his delivery and direct running, while goalkeeper Hidde Jurjus made several important saves to keep the scoreline close.

Eerste Divisie Table Impact

The victory lifts NAC Breda into a stronger position in the Eerste Divisie promotion race, keeping them within touching distance of the automatic promotion places. For De Graafschap, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency in the middle of the table. With the season still in its early months, both sides will know that away results like this one can shape the entire campaign.

NAC Breda's ability to win on the road against a traditionally strong Eerste Divisie club will be a source of confidence. De Graafschap, meanwhile, must convert more of their possession into goals if they are to climb toward the playoff positions.

What's Next

De Graafschap will look to bounce back in their next Eerste Divisie fixture, while NAC Breda will aim to build on a valuable away win. The result adds another chapter to a competitive Eerste Divisie season, where small margins continue to decide the race at both ends of the table.