Groningen are out of the Europa League after a shock 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen at the Euroborg.
- By Michael Bell
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The Dutch side went into the game on the back of the first leg 0-0 draw, and only needed to a win to progress to the next round, with a tie against Real Sociedad in waiting. The Euroborg was packed out for the tie, but the players could not rise to the occasion and they started the game sluggishly, with Aberdeen quickly on top.
On 33 minutes the Scottish side took the lead from the penalty spot through Adam Rooney, after Johnny Hayes was brought down by Eric Botteghin. Seven minutes later it was 2-0 when Rooney’s looping effort came off the bar and Nial McGinn was on hand to tap into the empty net and silence the Euroborg crowd.
Groningen were poor all over the pitch, with their play not quick enough, and their aimless long balls forward to Danny Hoesen were easily dealt with by the Aberdeen back four. However just before the break Groningen found a lifeline, when Maikel Kieftenbeld squeezed a header into the bottom corner.
The second half saw Groningen up their game, and they attacked Aberdeen’s box again and again, but Dons keeper Jamie Langfield was in the way every time. Michael de Leeuw, Tjarron Chery, Filip Kostic, and Nick van der Velden were all denied by the Scot, as Aberdeen held on to claim the win.
Just like last season when Utrecht were knocked out at this stage, Netherlands participation in Europe has got off to a terrible start, and Groningen’s return to European football after a seven year absence ends with a whimper.
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