The Eredivisie is underway. On Friday evening, the promotion hopefuls Cambuur and Excelsior kicked off with a painful return for the Friesians. The Rotterdam visitors took the initiative and went on the offensive early in the Eredivisie season.
The match began unexpectedly, with both teams challenging each other aggressively. Noah Naujoks missed a header from a corner kick, and Skye Vink could not hit the target from long range either. The first goal was quickly scored: Gyan de Regt found Irakli Yegoian on the opposite side of the penalty area, and the Georgian calmly slotted in the opening goal.
After 45 minutes, Cambuur's fortunes took a turn for the worse. They lost possession again in their own half, while Excelsior continued to operate smoothly. Yegoian provided the assist, and Naujoks capitalized with his second of the match: 0-2.
Excelsior made it even more difficult after halftime when David Garden, transferred from Quick Boys, scored his first Eredivisie goal easily.
Cambuur came out of their dressing room determined to return to the game after the break. Rafik El Arguioui had two chances straight away but failed to pass Stijn van Gassel.
Cambuur managed without further damage until halfway through the second half, but capitulated when a Rotterdam corner kick was poorly executed by Thijs Jansen, allowing Naujoks to score his second goal of the match. In stoppage time, substitute Ilano Silva Timas added insult to injury with the fifth goal: 0-5.
Excelsior can now be called the first Eredivisie leaders for at least one day, if not a whole week. With such a commanding scoreline, it is not unimaginable that the Rotterdam side will reclaim top spot in the league standings soon.
The first round of the Eredivisie continues on Saturday with matches featuring champions PSV and promotion hopefuls Willem II and ADO Den Haag among others.
