Excelsior Maassluis 0 – 1 Almere City Youth
Netherlands Tweede Divisie | 16 May 2026

Almere City Youth picked up a hard-fought away victory at Sportpark Dijkpolder on Saturday evening, edging out Excelsior Maassluis 1-0 in a tightly contested Tweede Divisie encounter. The match, played on 16 May 2026, was decided by a single goal that kept the visitors’ momentum alive in the lower reaches of the Dutch third tier.

Match Overview

The game was a typical mid-table clash in the Tweede Divisie, where physicality and organisation often trump individual flair. Excelsior Maassluis, playing in front of their home supporters, began brightly and pressed high in the opening stages. However, it was Almere City Youth who grew into the contest as the first half progressed, finding their rhythm in midfield and creating the better chances.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when Almere City Youth’s forward latched onto a through ball after a defensive misstep from the Maassluis backline. Calmly slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper, the visitors took a lead they would not relinquish. Excelsior Maassluis pushed for an equaliser in the final half-hour, but the Almere defence stood firm, clearing crosses and blocking shots to secure all three points.

Tactical Battle

Both sides set up in disciplined 4-3-3 formations, but the match was decided by Almere City Youth’s ability to exploit the transitional spaces. Excelsior Maassluis dominated possession stats with 58%, yet failed to turn that into clear-cut opportunities, managing only three shots on target. Almere, by contrast, were more clinical in the final third, registering four shots on goal from fewer attempts.

The result leaves Excelsior Maassluis stuck in the middle of the Tweede Divisie standings, while Almere City Youth climb a spot, strengthening their bid for a top-half finish in the 2025–26 campaign.