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With only 90 minutes separating both teams from the 2025-26 KNVB Beker trophy, AZ Alkmaar and NEC Nijmegen will do battle at De Kuip on Sunday evening.
AZ were beaten finalists in this competition last time out, losing on penalties to Go Ahead Eagles, and they will be keen to go one better this time around against an opposing side making their second final appearance in three seasons, having been beaten by Feyenoord in 2024.
In addition to our AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips.
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AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen key stats
- NEC are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.
- In that span, the Nijnegen-based outfit have broken the deadlock on five occasions.
- Nine of AZ's last 10 matches have yielded at least three goals, with a 2-0 defeat to Utrecht at the start of March the only exception.
AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen preview: Consecutive final heartbreaks for AZ?
| AZ Alkmaar | vs | NEC Nijmegen |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (Eredivisie) | Position | 3rd (Eredivisie) |
| 48 | Points | 54 |
| 52 | Goals For | 72 |
| 45 | Goals Against | 48 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 5 |
| 4th | Home Rank | 5th |
| 8th | Away Rank | 2nd |
After knocking out Ajax on their way, AZ Alkmaar entered last season's Dutch Cup final against Go Ahead Eagles as overwhelming favourites, but they will be fully aware that a far sterner test awaits them this time.
Leeroy Echteld’s side overcame PEC Zwolle, Ajax (once again), FC Twente, and Telstar to book their spot in this season’s showpiece, where they will look to end a 13-year drought for KNVB Beker success.
De Kaasboeren approach this weekend’s final with recent European disappointment still fresh, having been eliminated by Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday.
Securing a Europa League berth adds further incentive for a team currently sitting sixth in the Eredivisie and, as it stands, only set for a spot in the Conference League qualification play-offs.
Having scored four goals in as many domestic cup appearances this season, leading scorer Troy Parrott—who found the net from the spot in the 2025 final—will be expected to deliver once more for AZ.
For NEC, lifting the KNVB Beker for the first time in their history would cap what has been a remarkable campaign at Stadion de Goffert this term.
Fresh from a 1-1 draw with Feyenoord, Dick Schreuder’s side sit third in the table and remain on course for a maiden Champions League appearance as the season enters its final four matches.
Averaging over two goals per game, the Eniesee have been prolific in attack and will aim to extend their dominance over AZ Alkmaar, having won both league encounters this season.
NEC head into Sunday’s final with an almost fully-fit squad, although a defensive reshuffle may be required after Turkey international Ahmetcan Kaplan was forced off with injury last time out.
AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen form guide & betting tips
| AZ Alkmaar | vs | NEC Nijmegen |
|---|---|---|
| L-W-L-W-D | Form | W-W-D-W-D |
| 7 | Goals For | 11 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 5 |
| W-W-W-W | KNVB Beker form | W-W-W-W-W |
Whispers predicts: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 NEC Nijmegen
Since suffering defeat in both meetings with AZ earlier in 2024, NEC have gone unbeaten in the subsequent three encounters and will be brimming with confidence to extend that streak.
As with most finals, this weekend’s showdown could go either way, but we are tipping NEC to edge a thrilling contest at 2.45.
Six of the last seven editions have produced more than two goals, and few fixtures in Dutch football promise as much attacking action as Sunday’s clash. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 1.83 looks a standout selection.
Philippe Sandler has collected eight yellow cards and a red this season, highlighting his disciplinary issues. The defender is priced at 2.75 to be booked anytime, which could represent solid value.
> 1x2 - NEC Nijmegen to win at 2.45 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS & Over/Under Goals - Yes & Over 2.5 goals at 1.83 | Likelihood: Probable
> Player to be Carded - Philippe Sandler at 2.75 | Likelihood: Probable