Heerenveen secured a nail‑biting 4-3 win over Heracles in a closed friendly on Saturday afternoon, with Maxence Rivera netting a brace and Zakaria El‑Kachati scoring the final goal. The Frisians demonstrate they can still be dangerous, even in a non‑competitive setting.

How did the match unfold?

The game opened with both sides attacking quickly. Rivera opened the scoring for Heerenveen, followed by an equaliser from Heracles. After a short break, Jacob Trenskow – who shone last season – found the net. Rivera then added two more, giving Heerenveen the lead. The final goal came from El‑Kachati, sealing the win. The 4-3 result highlights offensive flair but also a fragile defence.

Why does this matter for Heerenveen?

Even though it’s a friendly, the score hints at the Frisians' attacking power. With 57 goals scored and 53 conceded this season (goal difference +4), Heerenveen remains a high‑scoring side. Recent form (DLWWL) and the current standing – 8th in the Eredivisie with 51 points – show that every win, even in a practice match, can boost confidence ahead of competitive fixtures.

Who are the key players?

Maxence Rivera, who scored twice, confirms his importance up front. Jacob Trenskow, who was prolific last season, still poses a threat. Zakaria El‑Kachati, who netted the late goal, proves his knack for crucial moments. Coach Robin Veldman can expect a varied attack with these three.

What lies ahead?

After this friendly, Heerenveen turns its focus to the Eredivisie clash against Ajax, scheduled for 31 January 2027 at home. Ajax sit fifth in the table, and Heerenveen sit 33 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. A strong performance against Ajax could narrow the gap and solidify the Frisians' mid‑table standing.

Heerenveen must continue to invest in attacking talent while tightening defensive stability. This season shows a balance between scoring and conceding, and the coming weeks will decide if the club can climb higher in the league.