Heracles End Losing Streak with Vital Victory Over Fortuna Sittard

Heracles 2-1 Fortuna Sittard
Asito Stadium, Almelo • Sunday 1 February 2026

Heracles finally ended their dismal run of five consecutive defeats with a crucial 2-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard at the Asito Stadium, earning just their second win of an increasingly desperate Eredivisie campaign.

The hosts, languishing in 18th place with a meagre 14 points from 20 matches, took the lead through Ajdin Hrustic’s 26th-minute strike. The goal provided a rare moment of joy for a side that had managed just 0.7 points per game this season and carried a daunting goal difference of -24 into the match.

Fortuna Sittard, sitting comfortably in mid-table with 25 points, responded swiftly through Kaj Sierhuis on 37 minutes to level the contest. The visitors’ equaliser highlighted their superior form this season, with the striker capitalising on their 1.25 points-per-game average that has kept them eight places above their struggling hosts.

However, Heracles demonstrated rare resilience when Arno Van Hoorenbeeck restored their advantage in the 44th minute, giving them a 2-1 half-time lead they would protect through a nervy second half.

The match featured several contentious moments, including a disallowed goal for Lasse Zeefuik following VAR intervention for offside just three minutes after Hrustic’s opener. Referee Richard Martens was kept busy throughout, brandishing five yellow cards as tensions rose.

Fortuna’s frustration was evident in their disciplinary record, with three bookings including cautions for Jasper Hubner, Samuel Adewoye, and Ivo Marquez. Both managers made extensive use of their benches, with five substitutions apiece as they sought to influence the outcome.

This victory moves Heracles to 17 points, though they remain in grave danger at the foot of the table. For Fortuna Sittard, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to climb further up the standings, having shown inconsistent form with two wins and two losses in their last four outings.

The result defied pre-match predictions that favoured a high-scoring affair, instead delivering a tightly contested encounter that could prove pivotal in Heracles’ battle against relegation.