NEC prepare for sold-out Olympiacos showdown after 18-year wait

NEC will play their first European home game in 18 seasons when they host Olympiacos in Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier. The tie remains goalless following last week’s first leg in Greece, leaving the Nijmegen side one victory from a place in the final qualifying round.

A sold-out crowd will fill De Goffert for the occasion. NEC’s previous European home fixture was a 3-0 UEFA Cup defeat by Hamburg on 18 February 2009. Captain Tjaronn Chery expects an intense atmosphere, telling reporters in a remark carried by NU.nl: “I think the stadium will erupt.” Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 local time.

NEC enter the return leg needing a response after opening their Eredivisie campaign with a surprise 2-1 home loss to Telstar. Chery said the squad had allowed itself 24 hours to be disappointed, while coach Dick Schreuder called for an improvement in both performance and mentality against Olympiacos.

Schreuder must also manage a shortage of defenders. Midfielder Darko Nejasmic was deployed at the back against Telstar, although Bram Nuytinck is expected to return to the squad and Tobias Storm is available. Philippe Sandler remains doubtful. Despite previously expressing a desire for defensive reinforcements, Schreuder said he did not want personnel issues to become an excuse and expects his available group to pursue victory.