ADO Den Haag secured a 3-1 victory over Helmond Sport at the GS Staalwerken Stadion, continuing their strong form in the Eerste Divisie. The match, part of the regular season's 28th round, saw early action when Nigel Thomas gave Den Haag the lead in the 26th minute. Helmond Sport responded swiftly, with Labinot Bajrami equalizing just nine minutes later, setting an intriguing tone for the remainder of the game.
Den Haag's Second-Half Masterclass
The second half kicked off with Matteo Waem restoring Den Haag's lead in the 47th minute, assisted by Juho Kilo. This goal marked the beginning of a dominant period for the visitors. Bryan Fiabema, who was a constant threat throughout, added a third goal in the 61st minute, cementing Den Haag's control over the match. Fiabema's performance was a standout, with his dribbling and duels underscoring his impact on the game.
Tactical Flexibility and Execution
Den Haag's tactical setup, a flexible 4-1-3-2 formation, allowed them to exploit spaces effectively, particularly in the second half. Their midfield, led by Juho Kilo's distribution and Bryan Fiabema's dynamic play, ensured they maintained a slight possession edge with 53%. Helmond Sport's 5-3-2 formation struggled to contain Den Haag's fluid attacks, despite having moments of promise.
Statistical Insight
Helmond Sport managed a total of 10 shots, but only three were on target, reflecting their challenges in breaking down Den Haag's defense. In contrast, Den Haag's 13 shots demonstrated their attacking efficiency, with five on target. The visitors also boasted a superior pass accuracy of 83%, compared to Helmond's 81%, highlighting their effective ball control and passing prowess.
Looking Ahead
Helmond Sport's recent form shows a mix of resilience and inconsistency, with a draw and loss preceding this encounter. For Den Haag, this victory builds on their recent green-form win against Roda, marking them as formidable contenders in the league's away fixtures. As the season progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies, with Helmond aiming to shore up their defense and Den Haag seeking to continue their away dominance.
