19 December 2023 at 20:00
Match Summary
Groningen defeated Willem II 3:1. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2023. Goals were scored by L. Valente 21′, J. Bosch 56′, Laros Duarte 75′, R. Postema 84′ (pen.). 3 yellow cards were shown. Willem II had 57% possession while Groningen held 43%. Willem II had 8 shots (2 on target) compared to 16 (9 on target) for Groningen. Willem II made 5 substitutions, Groningen made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Willem II and Groningen — 4 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Schreuders
Penalty
Match Statistics
Willem II had 57% possession against Groningen's 43%. Willem II registered 8 shots (2 on target) while Groningen managed 16 (9 on target). Corner kicks: 2–7. Fouls committed: 5–5.
Lineups
Willem II lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under P. Maes, while Groningen deployed a 4-4-2 under D. Lukkien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Willem II is 7.20, compared to 6.70 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. Willem II's highest-rated starter is R. Behounek (7.20), while Groningen's best-rated player is T. van Bergen (7.90).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Willem II have contributed 1 goals and 0 assists this season, led by R. Behounek (1G). Groningen's starters account for 1 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by T. van Bergen (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Willem II deploy 4 defenders rated 7.20 on average, against Groningen's 4-man backline averaging 6.36. 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
Willem II field 4 midfielders averaging —, versus Groningen's 4 rated 6.50. 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
Willem II start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Groningen averaging 7.90. 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 90% for Willem II and 77% 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.
Age & Experience
The average age of Willem II's starting XI is 26.5 (youngest: J. Bosch (25), oldest: R. Behounek (28)), while Groningen average 26.0 (youngest: W. Prins (21), oldest: M. Peersman (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
Willem II's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 4 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
Coach: P. Maes
Substitutes
Coach: D. Lukkien
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Willem II have recorded 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 defeats. Groningen show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Willem II
Groningen
Willem II vs Groningen Head to Head Results
Willem II and Groningen have met 24 times — Willem II won 5, Groningen won 13, with 6 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Groningen leads the head-to-head with 13 victories from 24 meetings. A combined 63 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.63 per match (22 for the home side, 41 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 15 matches (63%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 11 games (46%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Groningen are currently unbeaten in the last 5 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 7–1 in 2011.
5
Willem II
6
Drawn
13
Groningen
Recent Meetings (24)
API data: 16 Apr 2026