NEC Nijmegen's third-place finish in the 2025/26 Eredivisie was the best in club history and earned them their first-ever spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. NEC reached the play-offs of UEFA Champions League qualifying, but crashed out after losing 6-1 on aggregate to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
The success is all self-made, engineered by manager Dick Schreuder, who rocked the Eredivisie with his aggressive attacking brand of football.
NEC's last appearance in Europe dates back to 2009, when they reached the round of 32 of the UEFA Cup. 17 years later, NEC return to Europe, with the following games on their schedule.
NEC's Europa League schedule
Thursday, September 17th: Juventus - NEC (21.00)
Thursday, October 15th: NEC - Levski Sofia (21.00)
Thursday, October 22nd: Dinamo Zagreb - NEC (18.45)
Thursday, November 5th: NEC - Omonia Nicosia (18.45)
Thursday, November 26th: NEC - Stade Rennais (21.00)
Thursday, December 10th: Ararat-Armenia - NEC (18.45)
Thursday, January 21st: NEC - Benfica (18.45)
Thursday, January 28th: Celje - NEC (21.00)
UEFA Europa League
The UEFA Europa League pits European clubs against each other in the continent's second-tier cup competition. The 2026/27 edition follows the same format as last season, with 36 teams participating in the league phase before the top 24 progress to the knockout rounds. Want to know more? Follow the links below!
All you need to know | Latest Europa League news | The full Europa League draw
