Groningen, Netherlands – FC Groningen delivered a significant upset in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday, defeating Ajax Amsterdam 3-1 at the Euroborg Stadium. The result halts Ajax’s momentum and provides a crucial boost for Groningen in their mid-table campaign.
The match, played on March 7, 2026, saw Thom van Bergen open the scoring for Groningen just six minutes into the contest. Ajax responded through Davy Klaassen in the 30th minute, leveling the score. However, a second-half brace from Oskar Zawada sealed the victory for the home side, leaving Ajax with a disappointing result.
Early Lead for Groningen
Groningen started brightly, and their early pressure paid off when Thom van Bergen found the back of the net. A well-placed assist from Dies Janse set up van Bergen for a right-footed shot that beat Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Paes. The goal ignited the Euroborg Stadium, with the home fans sensing a potential upset.
Klaassen Levels the Score
Ajax, needing a response, found an equalizer midway through the first half. Davy Klaassen rose highest to meet a cross from Anton Gaaei, heading the ball past Etienne Vaessen and restoring parity. The goal temporarily silenced the Groningen faithful, but the game remained evenly poised.
Zawada’s Second-Half Brilliance
The second half saw Groningen regain control, and their efforts were rewarded with two goals from substitute Oskar Zawada. In the 66th minute, Zawada unleashed a powerful half-volley that found the back of the net, giving Groningen a 2-1 lead. Just seven minutes later, Zawada doubled his tally, heading home a cross from Thijmen Blokzijl to extend Groningen’s advantage to 3-1.
Ajax struggled to find a response in the remaining minutes, and Groningen comfortably held on to secure a memorable victory. The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 win for the home side, sending the Euroborg Stadium into raptures.
Standings Implications
The result leaves Ajax in third place in the Eredivisie standings with 44 points. Groningen, meanwhile, climb to tenth place with 34 points. This win provides a significant boost to Groningen’s hopes of a mid-table finish, while Ajax will need to regroup and refocus as they continue their pursuit of the league title.
Match Details
FC Groningen: Etienne Vaessen; Tyrique Mercera, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, Marvin Peersman; David Van der Werff, Travis Hernes, Tygo Land, Jorg Schreuders; Brnjolfur Willumsson, Thom van Bergen.
Ajax Amsterdam: Maarten Paes; Owen Wijndal, Youri Baas, Josip Sutalo, Anton Gaaei; Sean Steur, Jorthy Mokio, Davy Klaassen; Mika Godts, Wout Weghorst, Steven Berghuis.
Attendance: 22,525
Key Stats
- Possession: FC Groningen 39.7%, Ajax Amsterdam 60.3%
- Shots on Goal: FC Groningen 6, Ajax Amsterdam 5
- Shot Attempts: FC Groningen 13, Ajax Amsterdam 13
- Yellow Cards: FC Groningen 1, Ajax Amsterdam 1
- Corner Kicks: FC Groningen 6, Ajax Amsterdam 8
- Saves: FC Groningen 4, Ajax Amsterdam 3
The victory for Groningen was a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess, while Ajax will be left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Zawada’s two goals proved to be the difference, securing a well-deserved win for the home side.
Ajax will look to bounce back in their next Eredivisie fixture, while Groningen will aim to build on this impressive result as they continue their season. The Eredivisie season continues to deliver excitement and unpredictability, with Groningen’s victory serving as a reminder that any team can cause an upset on their day.
Next Up: Ajax will face [Next Opponent – Not Confirmed] on [Date – Not Confirmed] at [Venue – Not Confirmed]. Groningen will travel to [Opponent – Not Confirmed] on [Date – Not Confirmed].
What did you think of Groningen’s stunning victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
