Champions League dream over for NEC for good after disastrous evening

NEC have missed out on the Champions League league phase. After last week's 1-3 defeat, they then lost 3-0 to FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway. Dick Schreuder's side now drop into the Europa League.

Things unravelled immediately for the visitors. Gonzalo Crettaz handled the ball outside the box and referee Michael Oliver showed him a straight red card. Reserve goalkeeper Nikolas Polster came on, with Kaj Sierhuis visibly unhappy as he went off.

With an extra man, the home side took control but couldn't score before the break. Polster kept Bodø/Glimt out with several fine saves. In stoppage time, Fredrik André Bjørkan, who previously played for Feyenoord, finally found the net after a slick move from the Norwegians.

Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, Sondre Auklend made it 2-0 and ended NEC's hopes of reaching the Champions League.

Little changed after the break in Norway. NEC kept trying but couldn't create any real danger. Bodø/Glimt sat on their comfortable lead and patiently looked for openings in the Nijmegen side's defence. It got even worse for NEC when Deveron Fonville put the ball into his own net.

That sends the Champions League ticket to the Norwegians. NEC must settle for a Europa League campaign this season.