“Tika de Jonge was cautioned for a foul in the moments before Groningen struck — a yellow card that signalled the tension building just before the hosts broke the deadlock in stoppage time.”
“Marco Rente headed Groningen in front in first-half stoppage time, rising to meet Younes Taha's cross from the centre of the box to give the hosts the lead their pressure had merited.”
Pivotal“Tygo Land doubled Groningen's advantage just six minutes into the second half, finishing coolly into the right corner from a fast break orchestrated by Younes Taha — a devastating blow to NEC's hopes of getting back into the game.”
Pivotal“Darko Nejasmic pulled a goal back for NEC on 76 minutes to make it 2-1, setting up a tense closing quarter of the game and giving the visitors hope of salvaging a point.”
Pivotal
FC Groningen
NEC Nijmegen
Outstanding performance
NEC Nijmegen•MidfielderFC Groningen made the most of their cutting edge in a match where the statistics told a tale of remarkable equality. Despite both sides finishing with near-identical possession, passing numbers and shot tallies, it was Groningen's clinical finishing — seven shots on target to NEC's three — that proved decisive. The hosts' pivotal burst came either side of half-time: Marco Rente rose to meet Younes Taha's cross in first-half stoppage time, then Tygo Land punished a NEC defensive lapse on the counter just six minutes into the second period. NEC threw on five substitutes around the hour mark in an attempt to wrestle back control, and Darko Nejasmic pulled one back on 76 minutes to set up a nervy finish, but Groningen's backline held firm with goalkeeper making five saves across the afternoon. The result keeps Groningen pushing in the right direction at a critical stage of the Eredivisie season, while NEC are left to rue a passive first hour that ultimately cost them the points.
How entertaining was this match?
assist: Younes Taha
Goal! FC Groningen leads 2-0 against N.E.C. Tygo Land scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the right corner, assisted by Younes Taha after a fast break.
Bram Nuytinck from N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
Thom van Bergen from FC Groningen commits a foul.
The second half begins with FC Groningen leading 1-0 against N.E.C.
The first half ends with FC Groningen leading 1-0 against N.E.C.
assist: Younes Taha
Goal! FC Groningen leads 1-0 against N.E.C. Marco Rente scores with a header from the center of the box, assisted by Younes Taha's cross.
Thom van Bergen from FC Groningen committed a foul.
Bram Nuytinck of N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 2 minutes of added time.
There is a delay in the match due to an injury to Noé Lebreton from N.E.C.
Tika de JongeYellow CardTika de Jonge from FC Groningen receives a yellow card for a foul.
Noé Lebreton of N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
Foul committed by Tika de Jonge of FC Groningen.
New attacking attempt. Tika de Jonge from FC Groningen takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it is saved in the top right corner by Gonzalo Crettaz from N.E.C., with an assist from David van der Werff.
Fouled by Tika de Jonge of FC Groningen.
Noé Lebreton of N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
There is a delay in the match due to an injury to Darko Nejasmic from N.E.C.
David van der Werff's header from the center of the box is blocked. The assist came from Tika de Jonge's cross.
Jorg Schreuders from FC Groningen attempts an attack with a right-footed shot from outside the box, but Gonzalo Crettaz, the goalkeeper for N.E.C., saves it in the center of the goal.
Thom van Bergen of FC Groningen is called offside.
Jorg Schreuders of FC Groningen won a free kick in defense.
Foul committed by Sami Ouaissa of N.E.C.
Noé Lebreton from N.E.C. missed a chance with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box, assisted by Kodai Sano.
New attacking attempt. Tjaronn Chery from N.E.C. takes a left-footed shot from outside the box, but it's saved in the top center of the goal by Etienne Vaessen of FC Groningen.
Fouled by Tika de Jonge of FC Groningen.
Tjaronn Chery from N.E.C. won a free kick in the attacking zone.
N.E.C. wins a corner after Dies Janse concedes.
Thom van Bergen of FC Groningen is caught offside.
Darko Nejasmic from N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
Foul committed by David van der Werff of FC Groningen.
Bryan Linssen from N.E.C. had a missed chance, shooting with his right foot from inside the six-yard box, just missing to the left side. Philippe Sandler provided the assist with a through ball.
FC Groningen wins a corner after Noé Lebreton concedes.
Thom van Bergen of FC Groningen is called offside.
Marvin Peersman from FC Groningen won a free kick in defense.
Marvin Peersman from FC Groningen was awarded a free kick in defense.
FC Groningen wins a corner after Eli Dasa concedes.
Marvin Peersman of FC Groningen had a shot from the center of the box with his left foot, but it was blocked. David van der Werff provided the assist.
Offside called against N.E.C. Bryan Linssen is offside.
Thom van Bergen from FC Groningen committed a foul.
Bram Nuytinck from N.E.C. won a free kick in defense.
Darko Nejasmic from N.E.C. won a free kick in the attacking area.
Foul committed by Dies Janse of FC Groningen.
Tygo Land of FC Groningen won a free kick on the right wing.
Foul committed by Philippe Sandler of N.E.C.
Foul committed by Sami Ouaissa of N.E.C.
Marvin Peersman of FC Groningen won a free kick in defense.
Offside called against FC Groningen. Jorg Schreuders is offside.
Foul committed by Bryan Linssen of N.E.C.
Etienne Vaessen from FC Groningen won a free kick in defense.
The first half begins.
NEC Nijmegen travel to Groningen sitting 3rd in the Eredivisie with 56 points, looking to cement their place in the top three as the season winds down. FC Groningen, 14 points behind in 10th, will be desperate for a home win to give their fans something to cheer. With goals expected and local pride on the line, this northern derby promises plenty of drama.
