NEC come away with a point from entertaining clash with Levski Sofia thanks to Bulgarian gift
NEC have failed to win their first home match in the main stage of a European competition in 18 years. The Nijmegen side were the better team at the Goffertstadion, but Levski Sofia made more of their chances and took a point back to Bulgaria: 1-1. NEC's only goal came from Tjaronn Chery after a blunder by goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov.
In front of home supporters who were on their feet several times early on, NEC made a convincing start. Chery fired in a dangerous shot, and Clément Bischoff appeared in front of goal shortly afterwards, only for the Levski defence to intervene just in time.
Bischoff, playing superbly, soon delivered a cross for Chery. Vutsov brilliantly saved his header, then watched in relief as Kevin Kers shot the rebound over the bar.
Under former Fortuna coach Júlio Velázquez, Levski grew into the game and increasingly found space left by NEC. Everton Bala appeared to give them a 0-1 lead, but he was offside.
Ten minutes before half-time, the Bulgarians did take the lead. Goalkeeper Vutsov picked out Reinaldo with a firm pass. Reinaldo proved too strong and quick for Perr Schuurs before skilfully beating Gonzalo Crettaz as well: 0-1.
After the break, NEC started strongly and were clearly the better team. Chery, Noé Lebreton and Tadic all had chances, while Deveron Fonville went close with a header from close range.
Midway through the second half, the equaliser finally arrived. Vutsov passed the ball straight to Chery, and this time the experienced Surinamese player made no mistake: 1-1. NEC immediately pressed for another, with Tadic's shot only just saved.
Dick Schreuder's well-known risky tactics left the threat of a Bulgarian counterattack hanging over NEC. Armstrong Oko-Flex suddenly appeared in front of Crettaz, who produced an excellent reflex save to prevent Levski from making it 1-2 against the run of play.
In the very closing stages, NEC stepped up the pressure once more. Vutsov saved Bryan Linssen's fierce shot, then kept out a long-range strike from Dennis Geiger.
