Willem II promoted to Eredivisie after penalty shootout win

Willem II secured promotion to the Eredivisie after defeating FC Volendam in the Eerste Divisie promotion/relegation playoff final over two legs. The Tilburg-based club returns to the top flight after a one-year absence, following a 1-2 aggregate victory.

The first leg ended 2-1 in favor of FC Volendam, leaving Willem II with a challenging return match. However, the team fought back with a 1-2 away win, forcing extra time and a penalty shootout. Willem II goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl saved Nordin Bukala’s attempt before converting the decisive penalty himself.

FC Volendam began the return leg with a strong advantage, holding a 2-1 first-leg lead and playing at home. Their lead lasted just 17 minutes, as a corner routine led to Siegert Baartmans opening the scoring from close range following a cross from Mounir El Allouchi.

Defensive errors compounded Volendam’s problems when Gibson Yah lost possession in the backline, leading to Finn Stam’s quick reaction and a low finish into the bottom corner. Despite initial protests from Yah and a VAR review, the goal stood, and Yah was later substituted due to injury.

Willem II struggled to create clear chances early on, but a half-time strike from Juninho Bacuna—representing Curaçao at the FIFA World Cup—offered a glimmer of hope. Yannick Leliendal halved the deficit just before halftime, setting up a tense second half.

Volendam introduced Robert Mühren, playing the final minutes of his professional career, alongside Henk Veerman after the break. Mühren nearly doubled his side’s lead with a header, though VAR intervened to disallow a later effort for offside. The home side pressed for a winner, but Willem II defended resolutely.

Extra time saw Volendam dominate possession and create chances, yet their attack lacked precision. A disallowed goal for Willem II due to an infringement by Leliendal kept the tie finely balanced. Willem II weathered late pressure, including a tight finish from Mühren, before the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Didillon-Hödl saved Bukala’s attempt before stepping up himself to score the decisive penalty. His composure under pressure ensured Willem II’s promotion was secured in dramatic fashion.

The victory marks a swift return to the Eredivisie for Willem II, who will now prepare for the challenges of next season’s top-flight campaign.