Go Ahead Eagles have secured their spot in the playoffs, but that's not enough.
These last two games are the final chance to improve their position in the standings and secure a ticket to the upper bracket—and they know this is a crucial opportunity to face lighter opponents in the knockout stage.
Currently, they are ranked sixth with 45 points from 28 matches.
The three teams above them—MVV (49 points), Sparta Rotterdam (51 points), and Helmond Sport (52 points)—are still within reach.
While mathematically their chances are still alive, winning both of the final games depends heavily on the results of their competitors.
The first game presents a golden opportunity.
If they win and their competitors fail to score points, the pressure for the final match will be reduced.
However, the biggest challenge comes in the final game—facing the league leaders, FC Volendam.
FC Volendam is currently at the top of the table with 57 points from 28 matches.
The title is within their grasp, but they must continue to perform at their best. SC Cambuur, in second place with 55 points, is still lurking, and even a small mistake could shatter their dreams.
This season, Volendam has shown an outstanding performance with 18 wins and only three draws. They are the most prolific team in the league, scoring a total of 67 goals, but their biggest challenge now is staying at the top during these crucial remaining matches.
For Go Ahead Eagles, facing Volendam is not just about the final match, it's a matter of honor.
They want to prove that they are more than just a team fighting to stay in the lower bracket.
With determination and a bit of luck, they still have a chance to achieve something greater.
These last two matches will determine whether they can push for a higher position in the standings and enter the upper bracket, or settle for a lower place.
The desire for promotion comes not only from senior players who hope for salary increases and recognition, but also from young players who see stepping up to the Eredivisie as a huge leap in their careers.
Meanwhile, Eric Ten Hag holds an important talk with Arghana, giving guidance on the importance of maintaining composure and focus on the field.
Arghana has become the main highlight, thanks to two goals he scored in two consecutive matches.
Eric emphasizes to Arghana the need to find his rhythm—his ability to read the team's movements and not just run aimlessly on the field.
Though Arghana has only played in two professional matches, he has been praised for his strong work ethic and commitment to improve.
Extra training and special attention from the coaching staff have boosted Arghana's confidence.
Every night, after practice, he returns to his apartment and watches videos of the best strikers in the Dutch league. By watching their movements, how they control the ball, maneuver in tight spaces, and how they capitalize on opportunities, Arghana continues to learn.
These videos give him more than just technical knowledge—there's a pattern that feels familiar, as if he can "sense" how the strikers position themselves on the field, almost unconsciously mimicking certain movements.
However, even though he's gaining a deeper understanding of the game through videos, there's something even more powerful when he's out on the pitch.
That moment came suddenly.
When the match entered the critical minutes and his body was exhausted, Arghana felt a change within him—a sharpness that suddenly emerged.
Everything around him seemed to slow down.
The fatigue that once weighed on him seemed to fade, replaced by an indescribable feeling.
With the match against FC Eindhoven drawing near, Arghana felt more prepared than during his debut two weeks ago.
Now, the number of spectators in the stadium is growing, their enthusiasm soaring after two consecutive wins that have reignited promotion hopes.
On the sidelines, Eric Ten Hag, in a sharp suit with a serious expression, continues to observe the game.
Arghana, who had just scored two goals in two consecutive matches, is now the focal point.
All eyes are on him, especially after his crucial contributions to the team.
The praise Arghana receives is not only for the two goals, but also for his dedication and undeniable hard work.
Eric Ten Hag admires Arghana's attitude—especially his ability to remain focused and disciplined despite his young age.
Meanwhile, FC Eindhoven comes into the match without pressure.
After a heavy defeat to Almere City FC in their previous game, they no longer have ambitions for promotion or fear of relegation.
Still, they play with high fighting spirit, determined to put up a fight even though there's little at stake.
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From the opening whistle, the match is fast-paced, with both teams attacking.
Arghana feels there's a significant difference compared to the previous matches.
Although he's used to facing high-pressure situations in the youth team, the intensity and level of play in the professional league present a much greater challenge.
Fortunately, Go Ahead Eagles isn't facing a tight defense from their opponents, giving them plenty of opportunities to attack.
In the 21st minute, a key moment occurs.
Go Ahead Eagles win the ball in midfield.
Deniz Türüç quickly dribbles the ball, creating a 4v3 situation in the opponent's defense.
Arghana, positioned on the left side of the penalty box, receives a through ball from Deniz.
The stadium begins to rumble, anticipating what will happen next.
Arghana calmly controls the ball, noticing the goalkeeper is too far out, leaving the goal wide open.
He takes the shot, expecting it to result in a goal.
However, in the blink of an eye, the stadium falls silent.
The ball flies high over the crossbar!
The fans, who had been expecting a goal, are shocked.
They can't believe what just happened.
So much space in front of the goal, why did Arghana miss the chance?
Eric Ten Hag, who was already preparing to celebrate, can only stand still in silence.
Everyone was sure that Arghana would capitalize on the opportunity, but he wasted it.
Fortunately, thanks to his previous two goals, Arghana hasn't faced harsh criticism yet.
However, without those goals, there would certainly be complaints from teammates and disappointed sighs from fans, growing restless.
Still, Arghana tries to stay focused.
He knows that such mistakes are not the end of everything.
But only a few minutes later, he makes another mistake.
This time, a long pass he delivers is too wide, out of reach for his teammate.
Marnix Kolder tries to chase the ball, but it rolls past the line and into the small penalty area.
The FC Eindhoven goalkeeper quickly secures the ball.
On the sidelines, Marnix Kolder looks at Arghana with a confused expression.
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Fans in the stands start whispering and shaking their heads.
"Does he still deserve to be on the team?" mutters one fan.
"He plays like he's lost his touch," says another.
"We expected too much from him," adds a third.
On the sidelines, Eric Ten Hag, who had been full of energy, now watches with mixed feelings.
Logically, this match should have given Arghana more space to show his quality.
But in reality, he looks confused.
Though active in movement, he struggles to convert the opportunities into something concrete.
Arghana's technical weaknesses are becoming more apparent.
Though capable of creating chances, he struggles to control the ball effectively under pressure.
In training, Arghana is often considered a supplementary player, but Eric Ten Hag still remembers moments when Arghana showed extraordinary technique, stunning agility, and sharp finishing.
Why is today so different?
Go Ahead Eagles, who have wasted chances, finally feel the consequences.
In the 42nd minute, a quick counter-attack from FC Eindhoven pays off.
An accurate cross leads into the penalty box, where Soufiane Dadda strikes hard and successfully puts the ball into Go Ahead Eagles' net.
The cheers from the visiting supporters echo through the stadium, while the home fans fall silent in disappointment.
On the pitch, the tension is rising.
"See! This is what happens when you waste chances!" shouts a fan, growing impatient.
Go Ahead Eagles now find themselves in a threatened position.
In this crucial stage of the season, they know that only a win is acceptable—no other result will do.