Groningen began their season with a 0-0 draw against Aberdeen in the first leg of their Europa League 2nd round play-off.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Edwin van de Looi handed starts to new goalkeeper Sergio Padt, and striker Danny Hoesen as Groningen played in Europe for the first time since 2007.
Padt was the busier of the two new boys in the first half as the goalkeeper had to be on hand to keep out efforts from Peter Pawlett and Niall McGinn. Groningen seemed happy to keep possession in their half, and only created one chance in the first 45 minutes as Danny Hoesen’s weak effort was easily saved by Jamie Langfield.
The second half continued much like the first with both sides defending well and neither able to create a real chance to win the game. The closest the game came to a goal was a few minutes before the end when substitute Jarchinio Antonia sent in a cross for fellow sub, and debutante Dino Islamovic to prod the ball wide of goal.
Groningen will be happy to have not conceded, and they will go into the return leg at the Euroborg next week quietly confident of progressing to the next round.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
