Shiogai's Double Leads NEC Nijmegen to Stunning 4-2 Comeback at Feyenoord

Rotterdam, Netherlands — NEC Nijmegen staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Feyenoord Rotterdam 4-2 at Stadion Feijenoord on Sunday, with Japanese midfielder Kento Shiogai netting twice in the final minutes to cap off a thrilling turnaround. What began as an evenly matched contest transformed into a showcase of NEC's resilience as they overcame a 2-1 deficit to secure all three points in spectacular fashion.

The visitors struck first in the 37th minute when Bryan Linssen found the bottom right corner with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. The former Feyenoord player was perfectly positioned to convert Tjaronn Chery's cross, giving NEC an early advantage against the run of play. The hosts responded brilliantly deep into first-half stoppage time when Leo Sauer equalized in the fourth minute of added time. The young Feyenoord talent rose highest to head home from very close range, meeting Sem Steijn's pinpoint cross and sending his header to the top left corner to level the match heading into the break.

Feyenoord carried their momentum into the second half and completed their comeback in the 56th minute. Bart Nieuwkoop finished with precision, driving a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the bottom right corner after being picked out by Anis Hadj Moussa. The Rotterdam faithful erupted as their team took the lead, seemingly on course for victory on their home turf.

However, NEC refused to be beaten and mounted an impressive response. The visitors equalized in the 69th minute through Noé Lebreton, who directed a header from the center of the box into the goal from another excellent Basar Önal cross. The momentum shifted dramatically as NEC began to assert control, with Feyenoord's defense showing signs of vulnerability. The match intensified when Anel Ahmedhodzic received a yellow card in the 63rd minute for a tactical foul as NEC threatened to break forward.

Shiogai became the hero for NEC in the closing stages, putting the visitors ahead in the 84th minute with a precise header to the bottom right corner from Önal's second assist of the match. The Japanese midfielder wasn't finished, however, and sealed the victory in spectacular fashion in the first minute of stoppage time. Following a swift counter-attack, Shiogai unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from more than 35 yards that soared into the high center of the goal, leaving the Feyenoord goalkeeper with no chance.

The final whistle confirmed NEC's impressive comeback victory, rewarding their supporters who had made the journey to Rotterdam. For Feyenoord, the late collapse will raise questions about their defensive organization, particularly after Ahmetcan Kaplan received a yellow card deep into stoppage time, reflecting the frustration of the home side. NEC's triumph showcased their quality and determination, with Shiogai and Önal emerging as the standout performers in a match that will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion.