Heracles vs NAC Breda Result

EredivisieEredivisie · Netherlands
Heracles

Heracles

0 - 1

Full Time

NAC Breda

NAC Breda

📍 Asito Stadium, Almelo

🗓️ Saturday, 14 Feb 2026 at 15:30

Late Soumano Strike Lifts NAC Breda Past Heracles in Almelo

A tightly contested Eredivisie encounter at the Asito Stadium saw NAC Breda edge past Heracles 1-0, thanks to an 80th-minute goal from Malick Soumano. Both sides created chances in a match characterized by narrow margins and disciplined defending, but it was the visitors who found the decisive breakthrough late on. Heracles controlled slightly more of the ball, enjoying 53% possession and registering 14 shots, but struggled to convert their opportunities, managing only three on target. NAC Breda, meanwhile, were clinical when it mattered, with Soumano’s late effort sealing a valuable away victory after a well-balanced tactical battle.

Heracles

Heracles

6.2/10

Heracles started with a proactive 3-4-2-1 formation, seeking to impose themselves in midfield and utilize width through Benita and van der Kust. While they edged possession and generated more shots, their attacking trio of Ould Chikh, Unuvar, and Kulenovic struggled to break down a resolute NAC Breda backline. Despite four corners and a persistent approach, Heracles lacked the cutting edge in the final third, with only three shots on target from 14 attempts. Defensively, the back three held firm for much of the match, but a lapse in concentration in the closing stages allowed Soumano to score the winner. The lack of bookings reflected their measured approach, but ultimately, Heracles paid for their profligacy in front of goal.

Key Players

A. Hrustic: Anchored the midfield, distributing well and helping Heracles control possession.
D. van der Kust: Provided width and energy on the left, contributing to attacking phases and set pieces.

Strengths

Controlled midfield possessionDisciplined defensive organizationEffective use of width

Weaknesses

Lack of clinical finishingStruggled to create clear-cut chancesVulnerable to late counter-attacks
NAC Breda

NAC Breda

7.3/10

NAC Breda set up in a classic 4-3-3, balancing defensive solidity with quick transitions. Although they saw less of the ball, their attacking trio—Brym, Ayew, and Soumano—looked dangerous on the break. Breda managed 13 shots, with five on target, and their patience paid off when Malick Soumano netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Defensively, they were well-organized, with Greiml and Leemans marshalling the backline and Bielica making key saves when called upon. The midfield trio worked tirelessly to disrupt Heracles’ rhythm, and Breda’s ability to absorb pressure before striking late showcased their tactical discipline.

Key Players

M. Soumano: Scored the match-winning goal with a composed finish in the 80th minute.
D. Bielica: Made several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Strengths

Clinical finishingSolid defensive structureEffective counter-attacks

Weaknesses

Conceded possession for long spellsOccasional lapses in midfield controlPicked up a yellow card under pressure

Key Moments

80' — Goal

Malick Soumano scores the only goal of the match for NAC Breda, finishing off a swift attacking move.

67' — Yellow Card

NAC Breda pick up the game's only booking as they battle to contain Heracles' attacks.

Tactical Analysis

Heracles’ 3-4-2-1 aimed to dominate the midfield and utilize wingbacks to stretch NAC Breda’s defensive line, but the visitors’ compact 4-3-3 shape limited space in central areas. Breda’s disciplined midfield trio disrupted Heracles’ build-up, forcing them wide and limiting clear-cut chances. The hosts’ inability to break down Breda’s low block proved costly, as their attacking players found little room between the lines. NAC Breda’s tactical patience was evident, sitting deep and springing forward on the counter. The introduction of fresh legs and a late tactical tweak allowed Soumano to exploit a gap in Heracles’ defense, capitalizing on a rare moment of indecision. Breda’s ability to absorb pressure and strike late underscored their effective game management.

Turning Point

Malick Soumano’s 80th-minute goal, which punished Heracles’ missed chances and sealed all three points for NAC Breda.

Man of the Match

M. Soumano

His decisive late goal was the difference in a tightly contested match, capping a lively display up front.