Go Ahead Eagles extend positive streak, De Adelaarshorst Erupts.
Go Ahead Eagles' midweek away win extended their positive run, further igniting the spirit of their supporters.
This growing enthusiasm was evident during the 35th round match at De Adelaarshorst, where attendance soared past 6,500!
Not only did home fans show up in big numbers, but Helmond Sport supporters also came in force, still holding onto hopes of promotion.
More than 1,200 loyal Helmond Sport fans were present to show their support.
Given how crucial this play-off match was, their large presence came as no surprise.
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The first leg of the play-off between Go Ahead Eagles and Helmond Sport was filled with intensity.
With promotion still within reach, defeat was not an option for either team.
Even a draw would only benefit other teams in the play-off race.
Tension filled De Adelaarshorst as both teams played with extreme caution.
But that same wariness led to fatal mistakes on both sides.
Before the first half ended, Go Ahead Eagles wing-back Bart Vriends committed a handball inside the penalty box.
Helmond Sport capitalized on the opportunity and scored the opening goal.
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At the start of the second half, Go Ahead Eagles increased their attacking intensity.
Quincy Promes was brought down in the box by a defender, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Marnix Kolder stepped up and converted the penalty to equalize the score.
After the equalizer, the pace of the game slowed once again.
For over 20 minutes, neither team managed a single shot on target.
A fierce midfield battle kept tensions high, with both sides more focused on avoiding mistakes than creating chances.
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As the clock hit the 75th minute, the game's rhythm shifted drastically! Both teams realized they had to score to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Go Ahead Eagles began feeding the ball more often to Arghana, hoping he could make a difference. But in the several chances, he missed three consecutive shots!
Shots from outside the box, inside the box, with both left and right foot—not one was on target!
Helmond Sport fans exchanged puzzled looks.
Was this the striker who always scored in the last 4 matches?
"Go Ahead Eagles' secret weapon? This is it?"
Arghana started to feel the weight.
He could clearly see the high hopes in his teammates' eyes.
But up to the 80th minute, that usual clutch moment hadn't come yet!
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In the 86th minute,
Arghana received a pass from Deniz Türüç inside the box.
He tried to shoot, but the ball was blocked and went out for a corner.
Deniz Türüç shouted in frustration, "Beat your man, shoot from the tight angle!"
Arghana couldn't answer.
How could I? If I hadn't passed, I would've lost the ball!
But as he prepared to contest the aerial duel in the box, suddenly everything felt different.
The stadium lights seemed brighter, the noise from the stands more distant, and the space inside the box appeared clearer to him.
His breath was still heavy, but his body felt lighter.
Every movement from the defenders looked slightly slower, as if the world was giving him extra time to think.
Arghana was no longer just watching the ball float in—he could see the defenders' movements, the keeper's anticipation, and tiny gaps waiting to be exploited.
He knew Bart Vriends would take the corner kick.
Normally, he'd just wait between the defenders and try to fight for the ball.
But this time, his feet started moving ahead of his thoughts.
He shifted position—half a step left, then a slight drop back—as if his body already knew where the ball would land before it was even crossed.
The defender tried to stay close, but Arghana could sense their movements.
He knew when they'd jump, when they'd try to pull or push him.
In an instant, those threats no longer felt like obstacles—but part of a rhythm he could use.
His heart pounded, but his mind was clear.
For the first time that night, Arghana wasn't thinking about match pressure, team expectations, or earlier failures.
There was only him, the ball, and the goal ahead.