Relegated Vitesse is on the plus side after a comeback and victory over Fortuna

NOS Football•today, 6:37 PM

The already relegated Vitesse gave its fans reason to celebrate in the penultimate home game of the season. Coach Edward Sturing’s team defeated Fortuna Sittard 3-2, after trailing 1-2.

Thanks to the victory in round 31, the last team climbed from -1 to two points in the Premier League. It was only the fifth win of the season for Vitesse and the second in 2024.

Vitesse’s relegation became a fact with the deduction of eighteen points last week. What else to play for in the remainder of the season? “We will have to continue to give everything in the last four games,” coach Edward Sturing said at the time. “You also play football for your spectators.”

That thought was reflected in the opening of Vitesse today. An action here, a combination there. It was fresh and fruity from the home team. The American Paxten Aaronson caused the first danger with a shot on the fists of Fortuna goalkeeper Luuk Koopmans.

With an action from the right, the Pole Kacper Kozlowski led to the opening goal. The ball came to Aaronson, who first shot at teammate Thomas Buitink and then Nathangelo cut out Markelo and scored (1-0).

The goal brought a smile to the faces of the Vitesse fans. “We are going into Europe,” said the voice in the Gelredome.

Gyan de Regt had the 2-0 to head in after a cross from Anis Hadj-Moussa, but hit the ball completely wrong. In front of an open goal, De Regt headed past the goal into the hands of Koopmans.

It was an expensive miss. Fortuna became stronger and Eloy Room had to save a shot from Kaj Sierhuis. The equalizer came just before half time. Mitchell Dijks crossed from the left, the ball went up via Mathijs Tielemans’ heel and Iñigo Córdoba headed in the 1-1.

Justin Lonwijk failed to give Fortuna the lead before half time. After a long pass from Sierhuis, Lonwijk’s score was poor. Five minutes after halftime, Fortuna were awarded a penalty after a foul by Ramon Hendriks on Sierhuis. Lonwijk scored convincingly (1-2).

This time Fortuna failed to expand its lead. Córdoba was completely free at the far post after a cross from substitute Alessio Da Cruz, but missed. The miss kept Vitesse hopeful and the crowd also remained behind the home team.[ploegstaan

A banner with the text “with or without points, our club love is real” was unveiled. It actually became three points. Substitute Marco van Ginkel placed the ball against the ropes with the inside of his foot after Amine Boutrah was put back: 2-2.

Kozlowski led into the winning goal with an action, just like with the first goal. The Pole found Aaronson and he shot Vitesse with his left to make it 3-2. Comeback complete. Giovanni van Zwam received his second yellow, but Vitesse held on.

Dancing and singing, the crowd celebrated the home victory of the last team, the first home win since the 2-0 against Heracles on December 10. ON May 19, Vitesse ends the season with a home match against Ajax. For this, Sturing’s team still has to go to FC Utrecht and sc Heerenveen.