A day before the always fraught derby, the supporters showed they were looking forward to the game. On Saturday, both teams trained under great interest from their own supporters. They hoped to give the players an extra stimulus with fireworks and singing. Also on Sunday, the fans created a wonderful atmosphere in the sold-out Abe Lenstra Stadium from the first whistle.
The home team had a dream start, because within three minutes Heerenveen was allowed to cheer after a wonderful goal by Anas Tahiri. He shot Thom Haye’s cross well against the ropes: 1-0. Still, Heerenveen couldn’t enjoy the lead for long, because Roberts Uldrikis equalized ten minutes later: 1-1. The supporters were treated to a wonderful opening phase.
Live duel
Heerenveen thought for a moment about a new lead, but the second goal led to a line due to offside. However, the home team was allowed to cheer not much later. Sydney van Hooijdonk provided the new lead from a free kick by Haye: 2-0. After the goal, the home team had to deal with a setback. Nick Bakker ended up unhappy, tried again for a while, but had to be replaced.
Cambuur was the dominant party in the second half and with more than twenty minutes to go, the visitors came alongside for the second time on Sunday afternoon. After a clumsy tackle by Joost van Aken, Issa Kallon went to the ground. Bas Nijhuis initially waved it off, but the referee was called to the screen by the VAR and decided that the ball still went on the spot. Maulun didn’t fail: 2-2.
Crazy final phase
In the remainder of the game, Heerenveen pushed more and more, but a great chance in the final phase was not for the home team. On the other hand, Mitchel Paulissen thought he would crown himself the hero of the afternoon. With one minute left on the clock, he signed for the 2-3.
There was still no whistle and Heerenveen decided to give it another go. And with success. After a bizarre final phase, Van Aken signed for the final score: 3-3.
Due to the draw, the difference between the clubs remains one point, in favor of Heerenveen.
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