FC Groningen beats FC Emmen 3-2 in friendly

FC Groningen defeated FC Emmen 3-2 on Saturday afternoon in Musselkanaal, in front of roughly 2,000 spectators. The win came at the end of the training camp in Delden and signals a positive start to the Eredivisie season, where the club currently sits 9th with 48 points (14W‑6D‑14L) and a recent form of WWLLD.

How did the match unfold?

Groningen applied pressure early and opened the scoring after half an hour when Pelle Clement netted his first goal for FC Groningen (1‑0). Shortly after, right‑back Wouter Prins had to leave the field and was replaced in the 38th minute by Tyrigue Mercera, who added a second goal two minutes later (2‑0). Emmen pulled one back just before halftime via Casper Staring (2‑1). After the break, Groningen kept the initiative, and a free‑kick saw David van der Werff strike beautifully (3‑1). Emmen reduced the deficit in the final minutes with a penalty by Luca Denk (3‑2), but the win held.

Why does this matter for FC Groningen?

The match offers an early glimpse of the squad’s shape under the current manager, especially with Stije Resink still sidelined. Scoring 49 goals while conceding 45 this season (+4 goal difference) shows attacking promise, though the defence still needs work. Beating a regional rival boosts confidence ahead of the upcoming league fixtures.

What’s next?

Next Saturday, July 18, FC Groningen will face Greek champions AEK Athens in a friendly at the VV WWNA sports park in Wenum‑Wiesel, near Apeldoorn. This test will further gauge the team’s quality, while the club remains 36 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven in the title race. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter that will shape the preparation for the Eredivisie campaign.