A late goal from Michy Batshuayi saw Groningen fall to a 2-1 defeat to French giants Marseille in an almost empty Stade Vélodrome.
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Groningen headed to France already out of the competition after three defeats and a draw in their previous ties, but they put up a good fight against Marseille.
The French club completely dominated the first half and were deservedly ahead on 27 minutes when Sergio Padt misjudged a shot and Georges-Kévin N’Koudou found the net on the rebound. Michy Batshuayi could have added to that lead on several occasions during the first half, but the striker shot just wide from the edge of the box, and also saw a header tipped onto the post.
In the second half Groningen came out a totally different team and after Danny Hoesen missed a good chance to equalise, Hedwiges Maduro did level the scores with a fierce shot into the roof of the net.
Marseille pushed for the winner which would keep their progression on course, with Batshuayi again coming close with a strike, while Hans Hateboer also cleared off his own line. However Groningen did eventually fall under all the pressure as Batshuayi headed in the winner with only two minutes left.
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