Heracles vs Excelsior Result
Eredivisie · Netherlands
Heracles
Full Time
Excelsior
📍 Asito Stadium, Almelo
🗓️ Friday, 20 Mar 2026 at 19:00
🔥 AI Prediction Report
CERTIFIED WPredicted
1 - 2
Actual
1 - 1
💰 Bet Results2/2 hit
Estimated ROI (£100/bet)
Staked: £200 · Returns: £705
+£505
+253% ROI
Heracles and Excelsior Share the Spoils in Tense Eredivisie Stalemate
Heracles and Excelsior played out a tightly contested 1-1 draw at Asito Stadium, with both sides enjoying spells of dominance but ultimately unable to find a decisive winner. The hosts struck first through Ajdin Hrustić midway through the first half, but Excelsior responded strongly after the break, levelling the score via Jerolldino Bergraaf’s well-taken effort. The match was evenly balanced throughout, reflected in the statistics: both teams split possession at 50% and registered a near-identical number of shots (Heracles 13, Excelsior 14). While Heracles threatened more from set pieces with six corners, Excelsior’s resilience and tactical adjustments after halftime ensured they left Almelo with a deserved point.
Heracles
Heracles started brightly, asserting themselves in midfield and creating the better chances in the opening period. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allowed Ajdin Hrustić to find pockets of space, resulting in the opening goal in the 23rd minute. However, after halftime, the hosts struggled to maintain their attacking impetus and were pegged back by Excelsior’s increased intensity. Despite registering more corners (6) and matching their opponents in possession, Heracles could not convert their opportunities into a second goal, and their 17 fouls reflected a growing frustration as the match wore on.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Excelsior
Excelsior weathered Heracles’ early pressure and gradually grew into the contest. Their 4-1-4-1 setup provided defensive solidity but limited attacking options in the first half. After falling behind, Excelsior emerged revitalized in the second period, with Jerolldino Bergraaf finishing off a slick move to equalize in the 57th minute. Excelsior’s willingness to commit numbers forward after the interval was reflected in their 14 shots and a more adventurous approach, although they struggled to create from set pieces, earning just one corner.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
23' — Goal
Ajdin Hrustić opens the scoring for Heracles after a well-worked move.
57' — Goal
Jerolldino Bergraaf equalises for Excelsior, finishing off a swift attack.
63' — Yellow Card
Heracles pick up their first yellow card as tensions rise following Excelsior's equaliser.
77' — Yellow Card
Excelsior's only yellow card, as they halt a Heracles counter.
Tactical Analysis
Heracles lined up in a 4-2-3-1, looking to control the midfield and create overloads in advanced areas, particularly through Hrustić and Ünüvar. Their approach yielded early dividends, but after the break, Excelsior’s 4-1-4-1 began to assert more control, pushing their wide midfielders higher and pressing Heracles’ double pivot. Excelsior’s lack of set-piece threat (just one corner) contrasted with Heracles’ six, but their compact defensive shape frustrated the hosts in open play. Both sides made tactical tweaks via substitutions, seeking fresh legs in midfield, but neither could tip the balance decisively.
Turning Point
Bergraaf’s equaliser in the 57th minute shifted momentum firmly in Excelsior’s favour and set up a tense, end-to-end final half hour.
Man of the Match
Ajdin Hrustić
Influential in attack, scored Heracles' goal, and consistently created danger between the lines.