Excelsior’31 Knocks ADO Den Haag Out of KNVB Beker in Penalty Thriller
ADO Den Haag exited the KNVB Beker on October 27, 2026, after a 6-5 penalty shootout defeat against third-division amateurs Excelsior’31 following a 1-1 draw at Sportpark De Koerbelt, De Telegraaf reported. The defeat makes ADO the first Eredivisie casualty of the tournament’s opening round, capping off a difficult period for the club currently sitting 17th in the Eredivisie.
According to NOS, the match began with a pre-match light show and techno track before ADO coach Robin Peter implemented heavy rotation, changing ten players from their previous league fixture against SC Heerenveen. The decision drew sharp public criticism from football journalist Willem Vissers, who wrote on social media that sparing regular starters against amateur opponents is “nootzen gedoe” (foolish nonsense) that deserved to be punished, as reported by FCUpdate.nl.
59. ADO zet hoog druk, Excelsior'31 krijgt geen tijd meer om op adem te komen. #EXCADO
How Mika Schrijver Sparked the Rijssen Upset
Excelsior’31 held their own throughout regular play. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, defender Mika Schrijver headed in the opening goal after a deflected corner kick bounced off ADO defender De Bruin, according to accounts from De Telegraaf and FCUpdate.nl.
Excelsior Defeats ADO in Penalty Shootout
With the score locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the tie proceeded to penalties. Excelsior’31 goalkeeper Kevin Reimink—who works as a gym teacher—saved spot-kicks from Daryl van Mieghem and Juho Kilo, while teammates Alex de Jong and Schrijver missed their attempts, according to Voetbalzone.
After Tom Koelman converted to put the Rijssen side ahead 6-5, ADO defender Sékou Sylla missed his penalty by firing over the crossbar. The miss confirmed the 6-5 shootout victory, sending the amateur club through to the second round and echoing previous historical cup encounters between the clubs in 2010 and 2022, as noted by NOS.
Willem II Ends Winless Run Against Helmond Sport
While ADO suffered an upset, fellow Eredivisie side Willem II secured a 4-3 victory over Eerste Divisie club Helmond Sport to break a ten-match winless streak. Interim-trainer Adri Koster oversaw the Tilburg side’s progression following the departure of former head coach John Stegeman.
LIVE KNVB-beker | Derdedivisionist Excelsior’31 stunt en knikkert ADO Den Haag na strafschoppen uit het toernooi https://t.co/epRmyKwAhS
Devin Haen and Willem II secured a victory against Helmond Sport, supplemented by goals including one by Tonny Vilhena. Despite a late red card issued to substitute Jaden Slory and two goals from Helmond’s Labinot Bajrami, Willem II held on to advance alongside other winners including SC Cambuur, Roda JC, FC Eindhoven, and Almere City.
Frequently Asked Questions About the KNVB Beker Opening Round
When did Excelsior’31 eliminate ADO Den Haag?
The match took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Sportpark De Koerbelt in Rijssen, concluding with a penalty shootout that ended at 22:48 local time.
What was the final score of the match?
The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, with Excelsior’31 winning the subsequent penalty shootout 6-5.
Which Eredivisie clubs enter the KNVB Beker in later rounds?
According to NOS, tournament holders AZ, along with Ajax, Feyenoord, NEC, PSV, and FC Twente, receive byes and enter the competition directly in the second round.
The club from the third division Excelsior '31 managed to beat ado den haag in knvb baker.Fans entered the pitch and celebrated with the players. pic.twitter.com/JEHcbNzmSX
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