Nejašmić Shines in Champions League: Croatian Leads NEC Toward a Sensation
The former Hajduk and Osijek midfielder was the best player on the pitch in the first leg of the third qualifying round, and the Dutch club now has a great chance to advance.
The former Hajduk and Osijek midfielder was the best player on the pitch in the first leg of the third qualifying round, and the Dutch club now has a great chance to advance.
Croatian footballer Darko Nejašmić delivered a standout performance for NEC Nijmegen in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. His club secured a valuable 0:0 draw away to Olympiacos, putting them in an excellent position ahead of the return leg in the Netherlands.
Nejašmić (27) played the entire match as the deepest midfielder and was the main reason the favored Greek side failed to find the net. According to Sofascore statistics, he earned a rating of 8.1, the highest of any player on the pitch.
His defensive numbers are impressive. He won 12 of 13 duels, an almost perfect record. Additionally, he made 12 clearances and three interceptions, completely breaking up the Greek side's attacks.
Recall that NEC caused a huge surprise last season by finishing third in the Dutch league, which earned them a spot in the qualifiers for the elite competition. If they overcome Olympiacos, they will face the winner of the tie between Royale Union and Bodo/Glimt in the final qualifying round.
Even if they are eliminated in either of these two qualifying rounds, NEC is guaranteed a place in the Europa League league phase, which is already a historic achievement for the club from Nijmegen.
Darko Nejašmić, a former midfielder for Hajduk Split and Osijek, has been playing for NEC since the summer of 2025. He quickly established himself as a key player, and last season fans voted him the club's best player.
