Overview
- The KNVB Cup final between AZ Alkmaar and NEC Nijmegen kicks off Sunday at De Kuip in Rotterdam.
- A judge on Friday left in place 18‑month stadium bans for two NEC season‑ticket holders, meaning they cannot attend and reinforcing the KNVB’s hard line against supporter violence.
- AZ were knocked out of Europe on Thursday after fielding reserves against Shakhtar Donetsk, with coach Leeroy Echteld saying he rested key players to start the final fresh.
- NEC enter on a surge of belief, with Jasper Cillessen saying he wants to be “standing with the cup,” and the club staging an open training for fans on Saturday.
- Analysts expect a tactical duel, as NEC’s 3‑4‑2‑1 and one‑on‑one pressing could push AZ to add a fifth defender or drop a midfielder into the back line.