NAC Breda finished with nine men but took a hard-earned Eredivisie point from their meeting with VVV Venlo on Friday night.

Things were looking ominous when Robbert Schilder was sent off after just 17 minutes, and Frank van Kouwen put VVV ahead seven minutes before the break.

But despite being down a man for so long, NAC kept fighting and got on level terms through Santiago Leonardo in the 68th minute.

Tim Gilissen became the second NAC man to see red seven minutes from full time, but the visitors hung on to earn a point.

NAC were quickly on the back foot when Schilder hauled down Ruben Schaken as the last man and was given his marching orders.

VVV looked impressive thereafter, but Patrick Paauwe hit the side-netting after a fine run through the defence.

The goal came in the 38th minute as Van Kouwen drilled a shot home from close range to leave Jelle Ten Rouwelaar with no chance.

But NAC came out for the second half with renewed purpose, and Kees Kwakman headed narrowly over in the 54th minute in a warning shot for the hosts.

At the other end, Sjors Verdellen fired narrowly wide. But it was NAC who would get on the scoresheet in the 68th minute when Leonardo fired home from the edge of the area.

Seven minutes from time, Gilissen hacked down Adil Auassar to earn a red card - but VVV could not make their numerical advantage pay.

NAC stay seventh with the draw, while VVV climb up to 13th.