One of the Netherlands most historic clubs looks set to make their return to the Eredivisie next season. ADO Den Haag have had a torrid time of things on and off the pitch over the last six seasons following relegation from the Eredivisie. Yet, with just 12 games to go now in the Dutch second tier, the side from the Hague look set for a return to the top flight of Dutch football.
ADO Den Haag are two times Dutch national champions and two time KNVB Cup winners. However, they have not made a cup final since 1987 and since 2021 have been languishing in the second tier of Dutch football. Yet, head coach Robin Peter looks set to lead them back into the Eredivisie. After a 3-0 victory over Maastricht on Friday evening, the side have opened up a 14 point lead over De Graafschap in third, with a game in hand as well. The battle for the title looks set to be between ADO Den Haag and Cambuur, who are nine points behind with three games in hand.
Since relegation in 2021, the side have made the promotion play-offs on three occasions, failing to make it to the Eredivisie each time. The play off system in Dutch football is a difficult one to navigate, with teams having to win the play-offs against fellow second tier sides before then also overcoming a side that finish third bottom in the Eredivisie. There a three rounds, a gruelling experience for sides involved and a real pot luck experience. Finishing in the top two guarantees a trip to the Eredivisie the following season and ADO Den Haag are looking set to avoid the play-offs this year.
It has certainly been a collective effort with all the team pulling together. Jari Vlak has been the standout, with 10 goals and six assists in the league this season. The 27-year-old midfielder, formerly of FC Emmen and Volendam, looks set to surpass the 10 goals in 41 games he managed for ADO Den Haag last season. Austrian striker Luka Reischl has also done well, with 11 goals in 26 games so far this season. Reischl impressed last season with fie goals in 10 games while on loan for a few months from FC Liefering.
The defence has also been solid. While they have scored an impressive 65 goals in just 26 games, the side have also only conceded 29 goals, the second best defensive record behind Cambuur, who as a reminder have played three games less. Burkinabe goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema, only 22-years-old, has kept 10 clean sheets alongside his defence this season.
While there is still plenty of matches left, it seems unlikely that ADO Den Haag will through this away, barring an almighty collapse. With a few more wins, fans of the side can be looking forward to a return to the Eredivisie next season.