Groningen will meet PEC Zwolle in the KNVB Cup final after hammering Excelsior 3-0 in a packed out Euroborg.

groexcknvbcupExcelsior haven’t been in a KNVB Cup final since 1930 but they made the better start in the Euroborg with Ninos Gouriye bursting into the Groningen box before sending a shot wide, while Rick Kruys put a header straight into the arms of Sergio Padt.

Groningen made Excelsior pay for their missed chances in the fortieth minute as Hans Hateboer played a neat one-two with Tjarron Chery before sending a powerful strike past Coutinho.

Straight after the break Tom van Weert nearly equalised for Excelsior, but his low shot was tipped round the post by Sergio Padt. The chance was to prove crucial as Groningen sealed their progression on 53 minutes as Albert Rusnak sent a lovely strike from the edge of the box curling into the bottom corner.

Groningen went searching for the third goal with both Tjarron Chery and substitute Juninho Bacuna hitting the crossbar as Excelsior looked deflated. In the 88th minute Chery fired in the killer third to send the Euroborg into raptures.

For the first time since 1989 Groningen will compete in the KNVB Cup final as they battle PEC Zwolle in De Kuip on the 3rd of May, not only for the trophy but also for a place in the Europa League.




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