Match Summary
Groningen defeated AZ Alkmaar 3:0. The match was played in Eredivisie 2025. Goals were scored by M. Peersman 36′ (pen.), T. van Bergen 58′, T. Land 76′. 1 yellow cards were shown. Groningen had 46% possession while AZ Alkmaar held 54%. Groningen had 15 shots (5 on target) compared to 16 (7 on target) for AZ Alkmaar. Expected goals: Groningen 2.50 — AZ Alkmaar 1.71. Groningen made 4 substitutions, AZ Alkmaar made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Groningen and AZ Alkmaar — 3 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: D. van der Werff
assist: M. Rente
Match Statistics
Groningen had 46% possession against AZ Alkmaar's 54%. Groningen registered 15 shots (5 on target) while AZ Alkmaar managed 16 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 2–7. Fouls committed: 16–8.
Lineups
Groningen lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Dick Lukkien, while AZ Alkmaar deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Leeroy Echteld.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Groningen is 6.86, compared to 6.91 for AZ Alkmaar. 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. Groningen's highest-rated starter is Dies Janse (7.14), while AZ Alkmaar's best-rated player is Sven Mijnans (7.07).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Groningen have contributed 24 goals and 19 assists this season, led by Thom van Bergen (8G). AZ Alkmaar's starters account for 33 goals and 20 assists, spearheaded by Troy Parrott (14G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Groningen deploy 4 defenders rated 6.97 on average, against AZ Alkmaar's 4-man backline averaging 6.83. 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
Groningen field 4 midfielders averaging 6.76, versus AZ Alkmaar's 5 rated 6.96. 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
Groningen start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.80, compared to 1 for AZ Alkmaar averaging 7.05. 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 78% for Groningen and 79% for AZ Alkmaar. 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
Groningen's starters have collected 36 yellow cards this season, compared to 28 for AZ Alkmaar. 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 Groningen's starting XI is 23.5 (youngest: Dies Janse (19), oldest: Marvin Peersman (34)), while AZ Alkmaar average 24.4 (youngest: Kees Smit (19), oldest: Jeroen Zoet (34)). 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
Groningen's starters average 24 league appearances each, versus 23 for AZ Alkmaar. 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, Groningen have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. AZ Alkmaar show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Groningen
AZ Alkmaar
Head to Head
Groningen and AZ Alkmaar have met 1 times — Groningen won 0, AZ Alkmaar won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. AZ Alkmaar leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (1 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2025.
0
Groningen
0
Drawn
1
AZ Alkmaar
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 22 Mar 2026