Match report

Groningen Stuns Ajax 3-1 in Eredivisie Clash

Groningen
Groningen
3–1
FT
Ajax
Ajax
Mar 7, 2026

Groningen put in an impressive performance to stun Eredivisie giants Ajax with a 3-1 victory. Early goals from Thom van Bergen and O. Zawada laid the foundation for the win, with Zawada adding a third in the second half to secure the result. Despite a brief response from D. Klaassen, Groningen showed resilience and tactical astuteness to hold off Ajax's pressure and claim all three points.

Key Facts

  • • Groningen scored early through Thom van Bergen (6') and O. Zawada (65', 72')
  • • Ajax's only goal came from D. Klaassen (30')
  • • Substitutions were key for Groningen, with O. Zawada making significant contributions
  • • Ajax had several players substituted, but couldn't break down Groningen's defense

Lineups

Groningen

Formation: 4-4-2

Starting XI

  • 1 E. Vaessen (G)
  • 16 T. Mercera (D)
  • 3 T. Blokzijl (D)
  • 4 D. Janse (D)
  • 43 M. Peersman (D)
  • 17 D. van der Werff (M)
  • 18 T. Land (M)
  • 14 J. Schreuders (M)
  • 7 T. Hernes (M)
  • 9 B. Willumsson (F)
  • 26 T. van Bergen (F)

Substitutes

  • 13 L. Stubljar
  • 21 H. Jurjus
  • 2 W. Prins
  • 5 M. Rente
  • 8 T. de Jonge
  • 15 E. van der Laan
  • 19 O. Zawada
  • 20 M. Seuntjens
  • 22 S. Bouland
  • 27 R. Mendes
  • 44 J. Dillema
  • 48 R. Kelder

Ajax

Starting XI

  • 26 M. Paes (G)
  • 3 A. Gaaei (D)
  • 37 J. Sutalo (D)
  • 15 Y. Baas (D)
  • 5 O. Wijndal (D)
  • 18 D. Klaassen (M)
  • 24 J. Mokio (M)
  • 48 S. Steur (M)
  • 23 S. Berghuis (F)
  • 25 W. Weghorst (F)
  • 11 M. Godts (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 J. Heerkens
  • 52 P. Reverson
  • 2 L. Rosa
  • 7 M. Carrizo
  • 9 K. Dolberg
  • 10 O. Gloukh
  • 19 D. Konadu
  • 28 K. Fitz-Jim
  • 30 A. Bouwman
  • 32 T. Tomiyasu
  • 43 R. Bounida
  • 67 M. Abdalla

Timeline

  1. Groningen
    6' Groningen Goal · Normal Goal
    Thom van Bergen · Assist: Dies Janse
  2. Ajax
    30' Ajax Goal · Normal Goal
    D. Klaassen · Assist: A. Gaaei
  3. Groningen
    46' Groningen subst · Substitution 1
    Off: E. Vaessen · On: H. Jurjus
  4. Groningen
    46' Groningen subst · Substitution 2
    Off: T. Mercera · On: M. Rente
  5. Groningen
    46' Groningen subst · Substitution 3
    Off: B. Willumsson · On: O. Zawada
  6. Groningen
    65' Groningen Goal · Normal Goal
    O. Zawada · Assist: Marvin Peersman
  7. Groningen
    69' Groningen subst · Substitution 4
    Off: T. Hernes · On: Tika de Jonge
  8. Ajax
    69' Ajax subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Berghuis · On: K. Dolberg
  9. Ajax
    69' Ajax subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. Klaassen · On: R. Bounida
  10. Groningen
    72' Groningen Goal · Normal Goal
    O. Zawada · Assist: Thijmen Blokzijl
  11. Groningen
    76' Groningen subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Unknown player · On: R. Mendes
  12. Groningen
    82' Groningen subst · Substitution 6
    Off: Marvin Peersman · On: W. Prins
  13. Ajax
    83' Ajax subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Sutalo · On: M. Carrizo
  14. Ajax
    88' Ajax subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Mokio · On: D. Konadu
  15. Ajax
    88' Ajax subst · Substitution 5
    Off: S. Steur · On: K. Fitz-Jim
  16. Ajax
    88' Ajax subst · Substitution 6
    Off: O. Wijndal · On: T. Tomiyasu
  17. Ajax
    90'+4 Ajax Card · Yellow Card
    W. Weghorst

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Groningen Ajax
Fouls 5 7
Pass Accuracy 73% 82%
Offsides 0 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 13 13
Corners 6 8
Total Passes 375 555
Yellow Cards 1 1
Blocked Shots 3 4
Shots on Target 6 5
xG 1.92 1.86
Shots off Target 4 4
Possession 40% 60%
Goals Prevented -1 -1
Accurate Passes 274 455
Shots Inside Box 9 7
Saves 4 3
Shots Outside Box 4 6

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Groningen's early goal by Thom van Bergen set the tone for their performance, giving them a crucial boost and confidence boost.
  • ▸ O. Zawada's second goal (72') effectively sealed the victory, despite Ajax's attempts to equalize.