MAASSLUIS, Netherlands (Interstat) — VVV Venlo’s under-21 squad delivered a commanding and disciplined away performance Wednesday, defeating Exc Maassluis U21 3-0 in UEFA U19 Championship qualification play, a result that defied pregame statistical projections.

The match, part of the Ned-213 group in Week 4 of the European qualification pathway, was controlled by the visitors from Venlo at Sportpark Dijkpolder. Despite pregame analytics from Interstat giving the host side a 63.6 percent probability of victory and projecting a 4-1 win for VVV Venlo, the actual outcome was a comprehensive shutout that showcased the visitors’ effective game management and impactful substitutions.

The first half was a tense, physical affair that yielded no goals but set a combative tone. VVV Venlo midfielder Aileen Mikus received the game’s first yellow card in the 29th minute. The deadlock was broken just before halftime, in the 47th minute, by substitute Dilajda Leka, who had entered the match and provided an immediate spark.

The second half saw the match open up and the disciplinary record mount. Shortly after the restart, a flurry of yellow cards was issued in the 51st minute to VVV Venlo’s substitute Adela Valerie Qose and defender Viviana Marugg. Teammates Lilly Falk and Julia Suhner were also booked in the 57th and 61st minutes, respectively, as the visitors maintained aggressive pressure.

VVV Venlo sealed the victory late with a second goal from another substitute, Albana Malaj, in the 86th minute. The scoring was rounded out in second-half stoppage time by a third substitute, Klesta Ago, in the 90th minute plus four, emphasizing the depth and finishing quality available on the VVV Venlo bench.

The assist chart highlighted a shared creative effort for the winners. Qose, Marugg, Valennia Göldi, Suhner, Falk and Mikus were each credited with an assist, demonstrating a multifaceted attacking approach. Defender Göldi’s booking in the 65th minute was the final caution of a match that saw VVV Venlo receive six yellow cards to none for the hosts.

With the victory, VVV Venlo U21 begins its campaign in this qualification group with a record of 1 win and 0 losses, while Exc Maassluis U21 starts with 0 wins and 1 loss. The records across all competitions this season mirror those marks. The result provides a significant early boost for VVV Venlo in a competitive European qualification group, while Exc Maassluis will look to regroup after a home defeat where they were unable to translate their favored status into scoring opportunities.