

Almere City Youth and GVVV Veenendaal produced the most extraordinary match of the night in the Netherlands Tweede Divisie on 23 May 2026, with the home side triumphing 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller at the Almere City FC training complex.
Match Overview
The game, which kicked off at 21:30, was a relentless back-and-forth contest. Almere City Youth, playing with youthful exuberance, took the lead early but GVVV Veenendaal fought back strongly. The match swung from one end to the other, with goals coming at regular intervals until the final whistle.
Key Moments
- 6th minute: Almere City Youth struck first – striker Dylan van der Eb turned and fired home inside the box.
- 19th minute: GVVV equalised through a powerful header from centre-back Robin de Vries.
- 28th minute: Almere regained the lead as winger Yannick Osei curled in a fine effort from the edge of the area.
- 34th minute: GVVV struck again – midfielder Lars den Hartog scored with a low drive from 20 yards.
- 42nd minute: Incredibly, Almere went ahead again before the break, van der Eb scoring his second of the night.
- 55th minute: GVVV made it 3-3 when substitute Thomas van der Kooij tapped in after a goalmouth scramble.
- 68th minute: GVVV took the lead for the first time – winger Jeroen Boer made it 4-3 with a curling free-kick.
- 79th minute: Almere City Youth equalised – midfielder Kevin van der Zee volleyed home from a corner.
- 87th minute: Almere snatched the winner! Striker Dylan van der Eb completed his hat-trick, slotting home after a defensive error.
Tactical Story
Both teams threw caution to the wind. Almere lined up in a 4-3-3, while GVVV matched them with the same formation. The lack of defensive discipline made for a chaotic but entertaining spectacle. Almere's youth and energy ultimately prevailed.
Standout Players
Dylan van der Eb was the hero of the night with a perfect hat-trick (left foot, right foot, header) and an assist. His movement and finishing were lethal. For GVVV, Jeroen Boer scored a brilliant free-kick and caused problems all game.
League Context
The five-goal haul moved Almere City Youth up the Tweede Divisie standings, while GVVV Veenendaal slipped nearer the relegation zone. This match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining of the season in Dutch non-league football.