Overview
- De Treffers beat Heracles 1-0 on Thursday when Sebastiaan van Bakel scored the matchwinner and Heracles finished with ten men after Mario Borac received a second‑yellow red card.
- De Treffers dominated the first half, hit the woodwork several times and defended resolutely after going ahead to hold a narrow lead for the full 90 minutes.
- Coach Theo Janssen said he used Heracles' decision to make eight changes as motivation in the dressing room and framed the result as proof his team must not be underestimated.
- Heracles boss Vincent Heilmann defended his selection, arguing the players he started were capable of winning and that the red card and missed chances determined the outcome.
- The upset sends De Treffers into the next round where players and staff say they prefer a high‑profile or home draw, and it will increase scrutiny of rotation choices by higher‑tier clubs in cup ties.