Chery Scores Penalty to Level NEC With Ajax in Amsterdam

NEC Nijmegen captain Tjarron Chery converted a penalty to restore parity against Ajax, making it 1-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam during the eighth round of the Eredivisie. The equalizer came after NEC earned a spot kick when Bryan Linssen was pulled by his shirt, according to NOS in its live coverage published October 10, 2026. Ajax had taken control of the match for periods, but NEC remained competitive in an open contest featuring attacking opportunities for both sides.

NOS reported that the teams went into halftime level at 1-1, with goals from Arokodare and Chery. NEC entered the match seeking to extend its unbeaten run at Ajax's home ground across their last three seasons. The previous meetings at the Johan Cruyff Arena ended 2-2 in 2023-24, 0-3 in 2024-25 and 1-1 in 2025-26, according to NOS.

Ajax threatened to regain the lead through midfielder Mokio, whose shot struck the crossbar in the 22nd minute. The match remained open, with space available behind both defenses as the teams continued to attack.

NEC also created opportunities after the break. Kevin Kers curled a shot wide in the 52nd minute, while Chery appeared to score again six minutes later. However, the assistant referee correctly ruled out the effort for offside, leaving the score at 1-1, NOS reported.

The draw was also the halftime score in Sittard, where Fortuna Sittard hosted FC Twente in another eighth-round fixture. Fortuna took an early lead through Anthony Descotte, who headed home a cross from Mo Ihattaren within the opening 10 minutes.

FC Twente equalized when Wout Weghorst appeared to make imperfect contact with the ball, which then went into the net via Robin Pröpper. The match finished 1-1, according to NOS, despite Fortuna creating further chances after halftime. Fortuna goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst made several saves during the first half, while Twente goalkeeper Joël Drommel denied Descotte a major opportunity in the 59th minute. Fortuna continued to pose the greater threat after the break but could not find a winning goal.

In Rotterdam, Feyenoord defeated AZ 2-0 to take over the league's top position from their visitors. Left back Javi López scored from a corner to double Feyenoord's advantage, while AZ failed to find a response before the final whistle, NOS reported.