Nijmegen's 1-3 defeat at home in De Goffert was a harsh reality check for the team. NEC's Bryan Linssen acknowledged that Bodø/Glimt's cool-headedness was a key factor in their victory. Linssen cautioned that this style of play is not unique to the Champions League, but also occurs in the Europa League. He noted that many teams adopt a defensive approach, dropping deep and forcing opponents to play around them. If NEC gives away possession in midfield, they risk being counter-attacked. This is a common feature of European football, but Linssen believes NEC can improve their performance.
Darko Nejasmic agreed that NEC needs to work on their clinical finishing. The team had numerous chances, but failed to capitalise on them. In contrast, Bodø/Glimt created fewer opportunities and scored from them. This difference in finishing made the outcome of the match. NEC will now focus on preparing for their Europa League campaign, where they will face teams with similar playing styles.