Bryan Linssen leads NEC Nijmegen’s 4-2 comeback at Dinamo Zagreb

NEC overturn 2-1 deficit to win 4-2

NEC Nijmegen came from behind to beat Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 at Stadion Maksimir, recovering from a 2-1 deficit to claim their first win of the UEFA Europa League league stage. The match was level at 2-2 at half-time.

Clement Bischoff opened the scoring for NEC in the 25th minute, assisted by Noe Lebreton, to make it 0-1. Dinamo responded through Dion Drena Beljo, whose 33rd-minute goal, assisted by Matteo Perez Vinlöf, made it 1-1. Beljo struck again in the 37th minute without a listed assist, putting Dinamo 2-1 ahead.

NEC restored parity in the 45th minute when Bryan Linssen converted Bischoff’s assist for 2-2. Linssen completed the reversal in the 54th minute, scoring from Darko Nejašmić’s assist to make it 2-3. Tjaronn Chery added NEC’s final goal in the 80th minute for 2-4.

Dinamo had more of the ball but NEC finished better

Dinamo enjoyed 59% possession and recorded 16 shots to NEC’s 15. They also led 10-5 in shots on goal and had the higher expected-goals figure, 2.62 to 1.25. NEC goalkeeper saves numbered 7, compared with 1 for Dinamo, underlining how the visitors protected their lead despite having less possession.

Both teams now have four points

Dinamo went into the match ranked #14 with 4 points from 2 games, while NEC were ranked #27 with 1 point. After three games, both teams have 4 points and records of 1W 1D 1L. Dinamo’s goal difference is -1 and NEC’s is -3; their post-match positions depend on tie-breakers and the rest of the round.

Linssen was the standout performer, earning a 9.1 rating after scoring twice in 90 minutes. Beljo also scored twice and received an 8.7 rating. Beljo was booked in the 23rd minute, while Lebreton and Bischoff were also shown yellow cards; neither team received a red card.