FC Groningen fights to survive Eredivisie relegation in 2024/25. Explore the critical matches, turning points, and players involved in this dramatic football survival story.

Groningen’s Relegation Battle: Key Moments in a Tough Eredivisie Season

In the world of football, few storylines are as intense and emotionally charged as a relegation battle. For FC Groningen, the 2024/25 Eredivisie season has been a rollercoaster of hope, despair, and grit. Once a stable mid-table side with European aspirations, Groningen now finds itself embroiled in a desperate fight to stay in the top tier of Dutch football.

This season has tested the club’s resilience, both on and off the pitch. With managerial changes, inconsistent performances, and a tough fixture list, Groningen’s fight for survival has become one of the most compelling narratives in Eredivisie. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments that defined their relegation battle — the wins, the near-misses, the player standouts, and the decisions that shaped their fate.

Let’s take a closer look at how FC Groningen is fighting for its place in the top flight of Dutch MJ88.

A Season That Started With Hope

The campaign began with a wave of cautious optimism. Groningen had rebuilt their squad after a disappointing previous season in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie (second division), and promotion had injected a sense of purpose.

Key Pre-season Expectations:

Top 12 finish targeted by management
Young squad reinforced with experienced players
Focus on attacking football under head coach Dennis van der Ree

However, things quickly spiraled out of control.

Early Signs of Trouble

From the opening fixtures, Groningen struggled to find form. Despite dominating possession in several matches, their inability to convert chances into goals and individual defensive errors cost them crucial points.

First 5 matches:

Lost 0-1 to Excelsior
Drew 2-2 vs RKC Waalwijk (conceded late equalizer)
Lost 1-3 to Heerenveen (local derby defeat)
Earned only 2 points from a possible 15

It became clear that survival — not a mid-table finish — would be the realistic goal.

The Turning Point: A Shocking Managerial Change

By November, Groningen’s board decided to part ways with Dennis van der Ree after a string of poor results. The club appointed Dick Lukkien, a coach with a reputation for organizing teams defensively.

Tactical shift under Lukkien:

Switched to a more compact 4-4-2 formation
Emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacks
Promoted academy players into the first team

While results didn’t immediately turn around, the team began to show more discipline and cohesion.

Key Matches That Defined the Battle

🔑 Groningen 1-0 Vitesse (Matchday 14)

A gritty win at home, thanks to a late goal from forward Luciano Valente, marked their first clean sheet of the season. It was a morale-boosting victory that showed they could grind out results when needed.

🔑 NEC 2-2 Groningen (Matchday 18)

Groningen led 2-0 but conceded twice in the final 10 minutes. This game epitomized the defensive frailties that haunted them all season and felt like a loss more than a draw.

🔑 Groningen 3-1 Almere City (Matchday 23)

A rare dominant display. Youngster Thijmen Blokzijl scored his first Eredivisie goal and impressed with his defensive leadership.

🔑 Go Ahead Eagles 2-2 Groningen (Matchday 30)

Down 2-0 at halftime, Groningen fought back with goals from Romano Postema and Daleho Irandust, showing fighting spirit at a crucial time in the season.

🔑 Groningen 0-0 Fortuna Sittard (Matchday 32)

A must-win that ended in frustration. Groningen dominated but failed to break down a low block, underlining their season-long issue with creativity.

Players Who Made a Difference

Despite their position, several players stood out for Groningen this season:

1. Thijmen Blokzijl (CB)

A product of the youth academy, Blokzijl matured quickly into a starting role. With over 100 clearances and a 70% duel success rate, he was a key defensive figure.

2. Luciano Valente (CM)

Dynamic and fearless in midfield. Valente’s work rate and ability to win second balls gave Groningen more control in the center of the pitch.

3. Michael Verrips (GK)

The experienced goalkeeper made several match-saving performances and led the league in saves during certain weeks of the campaign.

Off-the-Pitch Factors

Injuries: Long-term injuries to key players like Ragnar Oratmangoen hurt squad depth.
Lack of investment: January transfer window saw minimal reinforcement, frustrating fans.
Fan Support: Despite results, Groningen’s supporters continued to fill Euroborg Stadium every week, creating a home-field atmosphere that intimidated visiting teams.

What’s at Stake

With just two matches left in the season, Groningen faces a nervous end to their campaign. Currently sitting in 16th place (play-off relegation zone), the club must either:

Win at least one of their final two matches, and
Hope direct rivals like Heracles or PEC Zwolle drop points

Failing that, they will enter a high-stakes relegation playoff against clubs from the second division — a dangerous and unpredictable scenario.

Can They Survive?

That’s the million-dollar question. Groningen still has the talent, the support, and the tactical discipline to stay up. But they also need mental toughness, composure under pressure, and perhaps a bit of luck.

Relegation would not just hurt their sporting pride but also have major financial implications, including:

Loss of Eredivisie broadcast revenue
Potential departure of key players
Reduced appeal to sponsors and new signings

Conclusion: A Season That Will Be Remembered — One Way or Another

Whether FC Groningen survives or not, the 2024/25 campaign will go down as one of the most dramatic in their history. It’s a reminder that football isn’t only about trophies — it’s also about survival, identity, and the relentless fight to stay relevant.

In a league full of giants, Groningen’s story stands as a testament to perseverance and the unpredictability of the beautiful game.

Support the Spirit of Football — Back Groningen to the End!

Now more than ever, FC Groningen needs the backing of its fans and the wider football community. Keep showing your support in the stands, online, and in spirit. Because football is not just about winning — it’s about standing tall in the face of adversity.

Let’s cheer for the underdogs. Let’s believe in survival. Let’s believe in football.

Groningen’s Relegation Battle: Key Moments of a Tough Season