18 December 2024 at 20:00
Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar defeated Groningen 3:1. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2024. Goals were scored by S. Mijnans 4′, L. Bacuna 41′ (pen.), R. van Bommel 70′, J. Addai 84′. AZ Alkmaar had 56% possession while Groningen held 44%. AZ Alkmaar had 22 shots (6 on target) compared to 11 (4 on target) for Groningen. AZ Alkmaar made 6 substitutions, Groningen made 6.
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and Groningen — 4 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
assist: E. Poku
Penalty
assist: T. Parrott
assist: D. Kwakman
Match Statistics
AZ Alkmaar had 56% possession against Groningen's 44%. AZ Alkmaar registered 22 shots (6 on target) while Groningen managed 11 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 6–4. Fouls committed: 5–4.
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a — formation under M. Martens, while Groningen deployed a — under D. Lukkien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 7.01, compared to 6.32 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 R. Owusu-Oduro (7.78), while Groningen's best-rated player is T. Oosting (6.74).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AZ Alkmaar have contributed 6 goals and 2 assists this season, led by S. Mijnans (3G). Groningen's starters account for 1 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by T. Oosting (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
AZ Alkmaar deploy 4 defenders rated 6.76 on average, against Groningen's 4-man backline averaging 6.07. 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 7.03, 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
AZ Alkmaar start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.90, compared to 2 for Groningen averaging 6.62. 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 72% for AZ Alkmaar and 80% 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 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 AZ Alkmaar's starting XI is 23.6 (youngest: R. Owusu-Oduro (21), oldest: J. Clasie (34)), while Groningen average 26.3 (youngest: T. Blokzijl (20), 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
AZ Alkmaar's starters average 3 league appearances each, versus 1 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.
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Groningen show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
Groningen
AZ Alkmaar vs Groningen Head to Head Results
AZ Alkmaar and Groningen have met 33 times — AZ Alkmaar won 15, Groningen won 9, with 9 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. AZ Alkmaar leads the head-to-head with 15 victories from 33 meetings. A combined 83 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.52 per match (49 for the home side, 34 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 14 matches (42%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 15 games (45%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–4 in 2015.
15
AZ Alkmaar
9
Drawn
9
Groningen
Recent Meetings (33)
API data: 16 Apr 2026