Ajax 2-0 Groningen: Eredivisie 2025-26 match report

The opening

Ajax secured a professional 2-0 victory over Groningen at the Kras Stadion on Thursday, navigating a tactical test to maintain their momentum in the Eredivisie. Under the guidance of Oscar Garcia Junyent, Ajax deployed a disciplined 4-3-3 formation that sought to control the tempo from the outset. Groningen, managed by Dick Lukkien, opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming to disrupt Ajax’s rhythm through a compact defensive structure and quick transitions.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. Mika Godts, operating with precision on the wing, provided the creative spark, delivering a measured ball that found Davy Klaassen. Klaassen’s finish was clinical, rewarding Ajax for their early territorial dominance. The goal forced Groningen to reassess their approach, leading to an early tactical adjustment in the 32nd minute as T. van Bergen replaced B. Willumsson. Despite the change, Groningen struggled to contain the Ajax midfield, and their frustration became evident as the half progressed, culminating in a yellow card for M. Peersman in the 40th minute.

The decisive moment

The second half began with Ajax maintaining their composure, looking to extend their lead rather than settle for a narrow margin. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when J. Mokio found the back of the net to double the advantage. The goal shifted the momentum decisively, forcing Groningen to commit more bodies forward in search of a response.

Groningen’s urgency led to a flurry of activity around the hour mark. Following a yellow card for D. Janse in the 61st minute, Lukkien utilized a triple substitution in the 67th minute, introducing M. Peersman, D. van der Werff, and T. Hernes. The tactical gamble appeared to bear fruit momentarily when Groningen put the ball in the net in the 70th minute, but a subsequent VAR review resulted in the goal being disallowed, effectively extinguishing Groningen's hopes of a comeback.

Ajax managed the final third of the match with maturity. Oscar Garcia Junyent utilized his bench effectively, introducing W. Weghorst and S. Berghuis in the 71st minute to provide fresh legs and defensive stability. While Ajax’s M. Godts picked up a yellow card in the 64th minute, the team remained organized, preventing Groningen from finding a way back into the contest. The closing stages saw a series of late bookings for Groningen, including B. Willumsson and M. Seuntjens in stoppage time, reflecting the visiting side's inability to break down the Ajax defensive block.

Looking ahead

For Ajax, the result serves as a testament to their squad depth and tactical discipline, reinforcing their position as they navigate the final stages of the 2025-26 Eredivisie campaign. Groningen, meanwhile, will look to address their lack of clinical efficiency in the final third as they seek to finish their season on a more consistent note.