We took advantage of a low-profile cup match to visit the Grolsch Veste.

FC Twente normally always sell out and require a club card to buy tickets, but these restrictions were relaxed for the cup match and tickets could even be bought before the match at the stadium.

Arriving at the stadium was easy by train, though at least one change in either Almelo or Hengelo is required (if you come from the west of Holland).

We arrived early, and there was therefore hardly any queue in front of the ticket office, though it seemed a little understaffed and queues formed quickly behind us.

As it was a mid-week game, most people arrived in the 15 minutes before the start of the game, but in the end the stadium was still two-third filled.

Twente is known for its good atmosphere, but it was obviously a bit more subdued than normal. The visiting fans grew increasingly boisterous though as they took a lead in the second half, and all in all it was a rather entertaining affair.

The concourse at the back of the stand is closed and therefore provides some warmth on a cold winter evening. There was a sufficient variety of food available, though unfortunately you cannot use cash and have to buy some special coins first (minimum of €5.00). There was a significant queue in front of the machines during half-time.

We had expected some queues before the train after the match, but these were hardly there and we could get on the first in the direction of Hengelo.