Fran Sol netted the only goal as Willem II defeated 10-man Groningen 1-0 in the Euroborg.

Willem II went into the game sitting second bottom, but they were on top from the start at the Euroborg with Thom Haye hitting the bar early on.

Groningen were then reduced to ten men in the 23rd minute when Ajdin Hrustic was shown his second yellow card for a blatant handball.

Willem II took advantage of the extra man by taking the lead before the break. Pedro Chirivella sent Fernando Lewis through on the wing with an excellent pass and he then picked out Fran Sol in the middle to net.

Groningen boss Ernest Faber attempted to turn the game around by bringing on 17-year-old Ludovit Reis and defender Amir Absalem at half time. However, it was Willem II who had the first chance of the second half with Jordan Peters hitting the post.

The hosts didn’t give up and they nearly equalised before the end, but Mattijs Branderhorst denied Reis and then Ritsu Doan with a good double save as Willem II held on for the victory.

The victory lifts Willem II up to 14th while Groningen are one place above.




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