Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar defeated Groningen 1:0. The match was played in Eredivisie 2022. Goals were scored by J. Karlsson 4′. 1 yellow cards were shown. AZ Alkmaar had 52% possession while Groningen held 48%. AZ Alkmaar had 10 shots (3 on target) compared to 11 (2 on target) for Groningen. AZ Alkmaar made 5 substitutions, Groningen made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and Groningen — 1 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: V. Pavlidis
Match Statistics
AZ Alkmaar had 52% possession against Groningen's 48%. AZ Alkmaar registered 10 shots (3 on target) while Groningen managed 11 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 5–2. Fouls committed: 7–8.
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under P. Jansen, while Groningen deployed a 4-3-3 under D. van der Ree.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 7.07, compared to 6.85 for Groningen. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. AZ Alkmaar's highest-rated starter is S. Mijnans (7.07), while Groningen's best-rated player is T. Blokzijl (6.92).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AZ Alkmaar have contributed 7 goals and 5 assists this season, led by S. Mijnans (7G). Groningen's starters account for 9 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by T. van Bergen (8G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
AZ Alkmaar deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Groningen's 4-man backline averaging 6.92. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
AZ Alkmaar field 5 midfielders averaging 7.07, versus Groningen's 3 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
AZ Alkmaar start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Groningen averaging 6.78. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for AZ Alkmaar and 81% for Groningen. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
AZ Alkmaar's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 for Groningen. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of AZ Alkmaar's starting XI is 25.0 (youngest: S. Mijnans (25), oldest: S. Mijnans (25)), while Groningen average 20.5 (youngest: T. Blokzijl (20), oldest: T. van Bergen (21)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
AZ Alkmaar's starters average 24 league appearances each, versus 28 for Groningen. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Groningen show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
Groningen
Head to Head
AZ Alkmaar and Groningen have met 2 times — AZ Alkmaar won 1, Groningen won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (4 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2025.
1
AZ Alkmaar
0
Drawn
1
Groningen
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026