Groningen vs Nijmegen

FC Groningen, currently struggling in the Eredivisie, are set to host NEC Nijmegen in a crucial round 22 clash this weekend. With their position in the league precarious at best, Groningen are desperately in need of three points to ensure they steer clear of the relegation playoff spot. As things stand, they have accumulated 21 points from 21 matches, leaving them just a single point above the danger zone, making every upcoming fixture vital to their survival.

The club, often referred to as 'The Pride of the North,' has endured a difficult season filled with inconsistency and setbacks. Their most recent outing saw them suffer a narrow 1-0 loss to Sparta Rotterdam, a direct rival in the fight to avoid relegation. That match presented a golden opportunity to gain some much-needed breathing room, but Groningen were left to rue their missed chances. One of the defining moments of the encounter came in the 52nd minute when Leandro Bacuna squandered a penalty, failing to give his side the lead. Just eight minutes later, Tobias Lauritsen delivered the decisive strike for Sparta, sealing Groningen's fate and condemning them to their tenth defeat of the campaign.

Prior to that disappointment, there had been a glimmer of hope when Groningen finally ended their four-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Heerenveen. That result had lifted the spirits of both players and supporters, but their inability to build on that momentum has once again placed them in a position of concern. Now, with another crucial fixture on the horizon, Groningen must find a way to put their recent struggles behind them and secure a positive result at home.

This season marks Groningen's return to the top tier of Dutch football after just one year in the second division. Having suffered relegation in the 2022-23 season, when they finished rock bottom of the Eredivisie, the club has been determined to avoid a repeat of that painful experience. However, their form has raised questions about whether they are adequately equipped to survive in the league. With the drop zone looming ominously, every match becomes a battle for survival, and this weekend’s encounter against NEC represents another opportunity to collect vital points.

While recent history does not favor Groningen, particularly in their home meetings against NEC, there remains some cause for optimism. The last time the two sides met at the Euroborg, NEC emerged victorious with a slender 1-0 win, a result that does little to inspire confidence among the Groningen faithful. However, a deeper look at their recent home form suggests that they may have a fighting chance. Groningen have managed to win three of their last five home matches and, crucially, have remained unbeaten in that run. Their defensive resilience has been noteworthy, with clean sheets recorded in each of those home fixtures. If they can replicate that solidity at the back, they might just be able to contain NEC and grind out a much-needed win.

Meanwhile, NEC arrive at this fixture in a far more confident state. After enduring a turbulent period that saw them go six competitive matches without a win—losing five and drawing one—they have since turned things around impressively. Their current three-match unbeaten run has reinvigorated their campaign and lifted their morale significantly. Having struggled earlier in the season, NEC have finally found a rhythm, and their recent results demonstrate their newfound resilience.

One of the most telling signs of their resurgence was their recent away victory against PEC Zwolle. That hard-fought triumph was followed by an emphatic win over Fortuna Sittard, suggesting that NEC have rediscovered their scoring touch and defensive solidity at the right time. However, their biggest statement of intent came in their previous match against league leaders PSV Eindhoven. Facing one of the strongest teams in the Eredivisie, NEC found themselves trailing 3-1 as the match approached stoppage time. But just when it seemed like they were headed for defeat, Kento Shiogai and Bryan Linssen produced a stunning late comeback. Their goals in the 90th and 95th minutes salvaged an improbable draw, showcasing NEC's fighting spirit and refusal to give up.

That remarkable result has propelled NEC to 11th place in the Eredivisie standings, where they now sit on 24 points. More importantly, they have created a small cushion between themselves and the relegation-threatened teams below. With a four-point gap separating them from 16th-placed Sparta Rotterdam, they have bought themselves some much-needed breathing space. However, NEC also have ambitions of climbing further up the table, as they find themselves just two points behind eighth-placed Fortuna Sittard. With a game in hand over several of the teams above them, NEC could yet make a push for a European playoff spot, provided they continue their good run of form.

As they prepare to face Groningen, NEC have the chance to secure a rare league double over their opponents. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, they completely dominated Lukkien’s side, handing them a humbling 6-0 defeat. That emphatic victory remains one of their standout performances of the season, and they will be keen to replicate that success in the upcoming match. Moreover, a win this weekend would see NEC record three consecutive victories against Groningen for the first time in their history. While that prospect provides plenty of motivation, their away form remains a concern that they must address.

NEC’s performances on the road have been inconsistent at best. While they have managed to secure some important away wins, their overall record leaves much to be desired. Having won just three of their away fixtures so far this season, they have collected only nine points from a possible 27. That tally ranks them among the teams with the worst away records in the league, a statistic they will need to improve upon if they are to maintain their momentum. Their struggles on the road could prove to be a crucial factor in this fixture, especially given Groningen’s relative strength when playing at home.

For Groningen, the key to securing a positive result lies in their ability to remain disciplined and composed under pressure. Their defense, which has shown signs of resilience in recent home matches, will need to be at its best to contain NEC’s attacking threats. At the same time, they must capitalize on their scoring opportunities—a failure to do so, as seen in the Sparta Rotterdam game, could prove costly. Players like Bacuna, who missed the crucial penalty in their last outing, will need to step up and make the most of their chances in front of goal.

On the other hand, NEC will look to build on their recent success and exploit Groningen’s vulnerabilities. With confidence running high after their dramatic draw against PSV, they will be eager to take control of the game early and put pressure on the home side. If they can impose themselves and dictate the tempo, they stand a good chance of coming away with all three points.

Ultimately, this match represents a clash between two teams with contrasting ambitions. While Groningen are fighting for their survival in the Eredivisie, NEC are aiming to continue their ascent up the table and potentially challenge for a European playoff spot. The outcome of this encounter could have significant implications for both teams as the season heads towards its final stages.

With everything to play for, this promises to be a fiercely contested battle at the Euroborg. Groningen will be desperate to avoid slipping further into the relegation mire, while NEC will see this as an opportunity to solidify their resurgence. Whether Groningen can halt their struggles and claim a vital win, or if NEC’s momentum carries them to another victory, remains to be seen. One thing is certain—both teams have a lot at stake, and the intensity of the match is sure to reflect that.