16 January 2024 at 19:00
Match Summary
Groningen defeated Excelsior 2:0. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2023. Goals were scored by R. Postema 72′, R. Postema 78′. 1 yellow cards were shown. Excelsior had 60% possession while Groningen held 40%. Excelsior had 14 shots (6 on target) compared to 9 (3 on target) for Groningen. Excelsior made 4 substitutions, Groningen made 0.
Match Events
Key match events between Excelsior and Groningen — 2 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: T. van Bergen
assist: L. Valente
Match Statistics
Excelsior had 60% possession against Groningen's 40%. Excelsior registered 14 shots (6 on target) while Groningen managed 9 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 4–7. Fouls committed: 11–12.
Lineups
Excelsior lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under M. Dijkhuizen, while Groningen deployed a 4-4-2 under D. Lukkien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Excelsior is 6.83, compared to 6.74 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. Excelsior's highest-rated starter is A. Zagré (6.90), while Groningen's best-rated player is T. van Bergen (7.90).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Excelsior have contributed 8 goals and 1 assists this season, led by N. Naujoks (8G). Groningen's starters account for 1 goals and 3 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
Excelsior deploy 4 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against Groningen's 4-man backline averaging 6.29. 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
Excelsior 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
Excelsior start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.75, 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 75% for Excelsior and 79% 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
Excelsior's starters have collected 3 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 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 Excelsior's starting XI is 23.5 (youngest: N. Naujoks (23), oldest: A. Zagré (24)), while Groningen average 24.4 (youngest: W. Prins (21), oldest: H. Jurjus (31)). 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
Excelsior's starters average 14 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: M. Dijkhuizen
Substitutes
Coach: D. Lukkien
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Excelsior have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Groningen show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Excelsior
Groningen
Excelsior vs Groningen Head to Head Results
Excelsior and Groningen have met 17 times — Excelsior won 4, Groningen won 9, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Groningen leads the head-to-head with 9 victories from 17 meetings. A combined 41 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.41 per match (14 for the home side, 27 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 6 matches (35%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 5 games (29%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–4 in 2018.
4
Excelsior
4
Drawn
9
Groningen
Recent Meetings (17)
API data: 16 Apr 2026