Excelsior fight back to earn point at Heracles | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Heracles and Excelsior drew 1-1 in Almelo. Sem Scheperman put Heracles ahead in the 23rd minute, turning in from close range after a corner. After the restart Derensili Sanches Fernandes equalised for Excelsior from the centre of the box (57.), assisted by Noah Naujoks. Excelsior registered 30 clearances, absorbing long spells as Heracles also posted six corners and hit the bar early on. Heracles remain 18th with work to do and visit Heerenveen next, while Excelsior stay 15th and host NEC Nijmegen.

Player of the Match: Sem Scheperman set the tone with the opener and a tireless shift, winning two tackles and regaining possession seven times before his withdrawal.

Stat of the Match: Heracles won 81.2% of tackles, a foundation for sustained pressure across both halves.

Three Things We Learned: Set pieces mattered for Heracles, who forced six corners and saw the opener follow a corner situation. Lequincio Zeefuik led the hosts with five attempts and two on target. Stijn van Gassel made three saves for Excelsior and possession was near-level at 50.2% to 49.8%.