The Wonderful World of Nijmegen

This week: Intrepid travels to, erm, the Netherlands and Birmingham

Last month, when my editor and I were discussing how to approach this piece on back threes, N.E.C. Nijmegen's bizarre approach to football was brought up. We figured we'd chuck them in as an aside, then potentially explore a full feature on them later.

One thing led to another, and I ended up in Nijmegen last Sunday to watch N.E.C. vs. Feyenoord. I witnessed their thrilling football first-hand, met some incredibly excited fans, and produced a piece I am extremely proud of for ESPN:

Attack, attack, attack: N.E.C. Nijmegen’s tactics have to be seen to be believed

NEC have the most attacking, aggressive style around, and it’s working as they sit third in the Dutch Eredivisie and are into the final of the Dutch Cup.

ESPNSam Tighe

This Sunday (5 p.m. UK) they play AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup final. After losing their last five finals, I wish them the very best of luck; and I hope Stefan, Bart, Florian and the thousands of other N.E.C. fans get to taste silverware at last.

The Champions League quarter-finals concluded with a barnburner at the Allianz Arena (and a snoozefest at the Emirates). Arne Slot muffed it, as did Eduardo Camavinga and Eric García, and here's the state of play heading into the semi-finals:

UCL talking points: Slot’s bizarre choices, Bayern now favorites?

Arne Slot’s decision to start Alexander Isak backfired, badly. ESPN’s Julien Laurens, Sam Marsden, Gab Marcotti and Sam Tighe weigh in on that and all the other moments that mattered from the UCL quarterfinal second legs.

ESPNGab Marcotti and Sam Tighe and Julien Laurens and Sam Marsden

Onto Thursday and I was at Villa Park to watch Unai Emery's men complete the crush job on Bologna. They won 4-0 on the night and 7-1 on aggregate. Ollie Watkins finished off a flowing move to seal one of the best goals this competition will see this season.

This was the fourth time Bologna have had to play Villa in the last two seasons. They lost all four. At least for the Rossoblú's sake they highly likely won't have to play them next term.

Just on that Emirates Snoozefest: Dougie & I explored the reasons for their attacking decline for this week's episode of The Truth.

If you prefer audio only, click here.

Next week, I'll be dropping a fun piece piggybacking on the NFL draft. Enjoy the football this weekend and see you soon 🫡