RKC Waalwijk kicked off their 2026‑27 pre‑season preparations with a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over German side Rot‑Weiss Oberhausen in an international club friendly at the Mandemakers Stadion on Tuesday evening. Under the lights in Waalwijk, both managers used the fixture to test new tactical systems and give fringe players valuable minutes, but it was the Eredivisie outfit who showed greater sharpness in front of goal to secure the win.

Match Overview

Played on 30 June 2026, the friendly served as the first public outing for RKC Waalwijk’s summer preparations. Head coach Henk de Jong fielded a mix of first‑team regulars and young prospects, while Oberhausen – competing in the Regionalliga West – brought a disciplined approach that troubled the hosts for long spells. The final scoreline of 2‑1 reflected a contest that was closer than the league difference might suggest.

Key Moments

• 14th minute – RKC open the scoring: A swift counter‑attack caught Oberhausen’s defence out of shape. Winger Michał Zając cut inside from the left and curled a low shot inside the far post to make it 1‑0.
• 38th minute – Oberhausen equalise: A well‑worked set‑piece saw defender Lukas Kühne rise highest to head home a corner, restoring parity just before the interval.
• 67th minute – Waalwijk’s winner: Substitute striker Jordy van der Hoorn latched onto a through‑ball, held off his marker, and slotted calmly past the Oberhausen goalkeeper to make it 2‑1.

Tactical Story

RKC Waalwijk started in a 4‑3‑3 formation, looking to dominate possession and stretch the pitch with wide runners. Oberhausen, set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, aimed to frustrate and hit on the break. The first half was even, with both sides creating half‑chances. After the equaliser, the Dutch side increased their pressing intensity in the second period, forcing errors in Oberhausen’s build‑up. De Jong’s decision to introduce fresh legs in the 60th minute paid off immediately, as the winning goal came from a player eager to impress in pre‑season.

Standout Performers

• Michał Zając (RKC Waalwijk): The Polish winger was a constant threat down the left flank, using his pace and dribbling to unsettle the Oberhausen defence. His goal was a moment of individual quality.
• Lukas Kühne (Rot‑Weiss Oberhausen): The centre‑back was solid defensively and posed a threat from set pieces. His headed goal showed his aerial prowess.
• Jordy van der Hoorn (RKC Waalwijk): The substitute striker made an immediate impact with a composed finish and held the ball up effectively to relieve pressure.

Pre‑Season Context

For RKC Waalwijk, this friendly is the first of several scheduled ahead of the 2026‑27 Eredivisie campaign. The club will be aiming to improve on a mid‑table finish last season, and performances like this – especially from younger players – will give De Jong selection headaches ahead of the league opener. Rot‑Weiss Oberhausen, meanwhile, are fine‑tuning for their Regionalliga West season, and this test against top‑flight opposition will have provided valuable lessons for the squad.