SC Heerenveen opened the season in the Eredivisie on Friday evening with a narrow victory over Go Ahead Eagles. Johnny Jansen’s team took the lead early in the game with a lucky goal by Tibor Halilovic. In the second half, Go Ahead Eagles came close to equalizing, but Heerenveen kept the goal clean with great effort: 1-0.
The first goal of the season came in the seventh minute. Halilovic tried from about eighteen meters and saw his shot get a curious arc through Boyd Lucassen’s leg. The ball fell out of reach of Warner Hahn. Lucassen had a good chance on behalf of Go Ahead shortly afterwards, but Erwin Mulder made the save. On the other side, Henk Veerman saw his shot fly over the crossing from the edge of the penalty area.
Heerenveen was stronger after that, mainly led by star Joey Veerman. Arjen van der Heide appeared dangerously on the left flank, but was unable to break through. An impending free kick by Ibrahim Dresevic was tapped out of the corner by Hahn. Veerman then served Van der Heide, who this time aimed just over. Go Ahead also became dangerous once more in the first half, but Mulder was able to take the header from Martijn Berden.
After the break, Halilovic thought to increase the score from close by for Heerenveen, but Hahn saved with a cat-like reflex. After that, Go Ahead took over the initiative and there were also opportunities for the people of Deventer. Marc Cardona released Giannis Botos in front of Mulder, who was able to save. Shortly after, Cardona hit the bar with a rock hard shot. Heerenveen remained under pressure and in injury time there was a chance for Jacob Mulenga, who aimed just over with half a bicycle kick.