Vitesse Arnhem will meet Utrecht in the European playoff final after a 3-1 victory over Groningen. Vitesse progress 4-3 on aggregate.

Groningen went into the second leg with a 2-1 victory but they got off to a horror start in Arnhem as Vitesse took the lead in the first minute. After poor play by Ludovit Reis, Thulani Serero set Martin Ødegaard through and he calmly slotted the ball past Sergio Padt.

Ødegaard was sensational during the first-half as he set up Tim Matavz with an excellent through ball to make it 2-0 in the 28th minute. Three minutes later, Ødegaard’s corner was headed in by Matavz as Vitesse went into half-time with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Early in the second half, Bryan Linssen had a fourth goal chalked off for offside. Mohamed Dauda then saw an effort cleared off the line by Kaj Sierhuis.

Vitesse failed to kill the game and with ten minutes to go, Groningen pulled one back. Substitute Mo El Hankouri got in behind the hosts defence and he crossed for Sierhuis to tap the ball in.

Groningen pushed for a crucial second goal but it never came as Vitesse held on to book their place in the final. They will now meet Utrecht for a place in the Europa League.




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