Eredivisie wrap: RKC start life at top with draw

Newly promoted RKC Waalwijk have left it late to secure a 2-2 draw against Heracles in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

Ruud Brood’s team looked to be heading for a first-up defeat at the Mandemakers Stadion before scoring twice in the last five minutes.

Heracles centre-back Antoine van der Linden was sent off in the 85th minute and striker Robert Braber stepped up to convert the resultant penalty to bring Waalwijk back to 2-1.

Braber turned provider soon after, setting up Ricky ten Voorde to steal an unlikely point in their first game in the top flight since 2009/10.

Heracles finished eighth last campaign but lost out in the playoffs for entry into Europa League qualification.

In another late show, NEC Nijmegen also came from behind to draw 2-2 at Heerenveen.

Midfield pair Oussama Assaidi and Luciano Narsingh had put the hosts two goals to the good after 70 minutes and Heerenveen looked headed for a comfortable win.

But defender Bram Nuytinck pulled one back in the 84th minute before Stefan Nijland equalised soon after to complete an unlikely comeback.

Elsewhere, Syria international Senharib Malki struck an 88th-minute winner to give Roda JC a 2-1 win over Groningen.

Leandro Bacuna had put Groningen ahead from the spot in the first half, only for midfielder Mark-Jan Fledderus to level and Malki to hit a late winner much to the delight of the home fans.

In the other game, VVV-Venlo and Utrecht played out a scoreless draw.

Utrecht came closest to taking the three points when Venlo goalkeeper Dennis Gentenaar scrambled to punch Stefano Lilipaly’s header off the line.

Venlo substitute Rogier Molhoek was sent off for a rash challenge in the 80th minute.