Bram Nuytinck stunned by incredible blunder: 'Bizarre, isn't it? What was that then? Very strange!'

Bram Nuytinck could hardly believe what happened before NEC's match against FK Bodø/Glimt after NEC's elimination in the Champions League qualifiers. As the players walked out, the Norwegians casually started playing the Europa League anthem, even though both sides were still fighting for a place in the Champions League.

Dutch viewers immediately picked up on the bizarre moment, and Ziggo Sport commentator Wytse van de Goot spotted the mistake straight away too. For NEC, the Champions League anthem had been one of the special touches of their historic European campaign. In Norway, though, the side from Nijmegen were already being greeted by the music of the tournament they would ultimately drop into.

After the match, Ziggo Sport asked Nuytinck about the striking incident. "Bizarre, isn't it? What was that all about?" the 36-year-old defender replied in disbelief. "I recently saw a clip of it happening at another club as well, I think. At the time I thought: surely that can't happen?"

Looking back, Nuytinck could make little else of it. "That is very strange, but it is what it is," said the veteran.

Tuesday evening in Norway ended NEC's Champions League dream for good. After the 1-3 defeat at De Goffert, Dick Schreuder's side lost the return leg 3-0, sending Bodø/Glimt through to the league phase of Europe's premier club competition and leaving NEC to continue in the Europa League.

Things went wrong early for the side from Nijmegen when goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz handled the ball outside his penalty area and referee Michael Oliver showed him a straight red card. Nuytinck came on in the second half and knew there was little left to do by then except limit the damage. "With ten men against such a well-organised team, it is very difficult to force anything with the score as it was."

Even so, pride is what stays with Nuytinck most from NEC's European run. "You are playing with NEC in the Champions League qualifiers. In the previous round you knock out Olympiakos, which for NEC is of course enormous. I am very proud that I can still experience this as an NEC player and as a fan of the club."

For the experienced defender, NEC must now head into the Europa League with their heads held high. "Above all, we must be proud of what we have achieved."