SC Cambuur 3-0 NEC Nijmegen: Impressive Hosts Cruise to Eredivisie Win

SC Cambuur Leeuwarden delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch Eredivisie on September 13, 2026, producing one of their most complete performances of the season at the Cambuur Stadion. The win moves Cambuur further clear of the relegation zone and raises questions about NEC’s inconsistent form.

From the first whistle, Cambuur were the aggressors, pressing high and moving the ball quickly. NEC struggled to cope with the intensity, and by the time the final whistle blew, the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.

Match Overview

Competition: Netherlands Eredivisie
Venue: Cambuur Stadion, Leeuwarden
Final Score: SC Cambuur 3-0 NEC Nijmegen

Cambuur opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Milan Smit, who latched onto a through ball from Daniël van Kaam and slotted a low finish past NEC goalkeeper Robin Roefs. The early goal settled the hosts and forced NEC to come out of their shell.

The second goal arrived in the 39th minute, and it was a thing of beauty. Remco Balk cut inside from the left wing and curled an unstoppable shot into the top right corner, doubling Cambuur’s advantage. NEC’s defence stood off, allowing Balk the space to shoot.

Any hopes of a NEC comeback were extinguished in the 61st minute when Roberts Uldriķis tapped in from close range after Smit’s initial effort was parried. The third goal sparked jubilant scenes in the stands, and Cambuur comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Goal, Cambuur: Milan Smit finishes calmly after Van Kaam’s through ball.
• 39’ – Goal, Cambuur: Remco Balk curls a stunning effort into the top corner.
• 61’ – Goal, Cambuur: Roberts Uldriķis taps in the rebound for 3-0.
• 78’ – Save, Cambuur: Goalkeeper Thijs Jansen denies NEC a consolation goal.

Tactical Story

Cambuur set up in a 4-3-3 with high pressing triggers, aiming to win the ball back quickly in NEC’s half. The front three of Smit, Balk, and Uldriķis worked tirelessly, cutting off passing lanes and forcing NEC into long balls. The midfield trio of Van Kaam, Mees Hoedemakers, and Jeremy de Graaf controlled the tempo.

NEC, on the other hand, looked disjointed. Their usual build-up play from the back was disrupted by Cambuur’s press, and their attacking midfielders were starved of service. Coach Rogier Meijer tried switching to a back three in the second half, but it only added to the confusion.

Cambuur’s defensive line, marshalled by captain Erik Schouten, kept a high line and caught NEC’s forwards offside on multiple occasions. It was a tactical masterclass from Cambuur’s coaching staff.

Standout Players

• Milan Smit (Cambuur): Scored one and assisted another, leading the line with intelligence.
• Remco Balk (Cambuur): His goal was the highlight of the match, and he tormented NEC’s right-back all evening.
• Daniël van Kaam (Cambuur): Dictated midfield with precise passing and tireless running.
• Thijs Jansen (Cambuur): Made a superb save to preserve the clean sheet.

Season Impact and Table Context

The three points propel Cambuur up the Eredivisie table, giving them breathing room above the drop zone. NEC remain in mid-table, but their inconsistency continues to frustrate. This was a statement performance from Cambuur, who have now won back-to-back home games for the first time this season.

Cambuur’s goal difference received a healthy boost, while NEC will need to regroup quickly with a difficult fixture on the horizon. The head-to-head record now favours Cambuur, who have beaten NEC in their last two meetings on home soil.