Goalkeeper’s penalty sends Willem II into Eredivisie as fans celebrate with wild late-night rave

Willem II secured promotion back to the Eredivisie on Saturday thanks to a winning penalty… from their goalkeeper.

And the celebrations following their achievement were special, as fans gathered for a late-night party at their stadium.

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In the Netherlands, the team that finishes third bottom of the Eredivisie face a promotional hopeful from the Eerste Divisie.

This season, that meant Willem II took on Volendam for a place in the Dutch top flight and the first leg ended 2-1 to the latter.

However, the lower-league side fought back in the second leg, going 2-0 up early on and taking the lead in the tie.

Volendam would equalise though, making it 3-3 on aggregate, and neither side managed to find a winner.

That means the promotion clash went to penalties and Willem II brilliantly put together the perfect five spot-kicks.

A miss early on from their opponents allowed them to have the chance to secure an Eredivisie place with their fifth penalty.

And in a brave selection, their goalkeeper, Thomas Didillon-Hodl, stepped up to take the pressure.

As calm as a striker, Didillon-Hodl then perfectly curled into the top corner to send his teammates barmy and fans into delirium.

Wild celebrations

Footage was shared on social media of the Willem II supporters celebrating wildly while watching on a screen.

Then, following the match, incredible scenes continued into the night as the squad of players travelled back to their stadium.

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Thousands of fans gathered together, shooting fireworks into the sky and lighting bright red flares.

Loud club music blared when the players turned up, with the special night turning into a red-misted rave.

Speaking about the celebrations, Willem II striker Thomas Verheydt said: “It lasted two hours, the atmosphere was great.

“I had lost it a few times already, but luckily I won this time.”

The club are now back in the Eredivisie after a year away having been relegated via the play-off last campaign.

Last time Willem II were in the top flight, they only managed to win six games of their 34, losing 20 of them.

They will hope to do better this time around after securing promotion in dramatic circumstances.