The first legs of the two Eredivisie relegation playoff finals took place on Thursday with NEC and Roda JC fighting to keep their top flight status alive.

NAC Breda 1-0 NEC Nijmegen

NEC’s time in the Eredivisie is hanging by a thread after they were defeated by NAC Breda 1-0 in the first leg.

The visitors began the game dominantly and were unlucky to see Dario Dumic’s header come back off the post after goalkeeper Jorn Brondeel failed to clear a Ali Messaoud cross. NEC remained in control for the rest of the first half but both Gregor Breinburg and Kevin Mayi passed up good chances.

Before the break, disaster seemed to strike for NEC when Wojciech Golla was shown a red card for a foul on Cyriel Dessers, but the video referee overturned the decision.

NEC remained the most dangerous side after the break, but in the 85th minute it was NAC who claimed victory as Dessers finished off Giovanni Korte’s pass.

NEC must now overturn the defeat on Sunday to keep their Eredivisie status.

MVV 0-0 Roda JC

The first leg of the Limburgse derby ended goalless but the result was overshadowed by crowd violence at half-time.

Both sides were clearly nervous in an error-filled first half, but neither could find the opening goal. As the players headed into the tunnel a group of MVV fans took to the pitch to confront the Roda JC end and ugly scenes ensued. The second half was delayed by around half-an-hour as the trouble was dealt.

When play finally did get back underway, both sides went for a winner, but N’Koyi was denied by Roda keeper Benjamin van Leer, before Ajagun wasted a great chance for the visitors with a weak effort.

The game ended goalless and on a knife edge as the second leg heads to Kerkrade on Sunday.




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