Groningen and Volos NPS Play Out Stalemate in Dour Pre‑Season Friendly

Fans hoping for goals at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium were left disappointed on July 25, 2026, as Groningen and Greek side Volos NPS played out a 0‑0 draw in an international club friendly. Despite a few half‑chances, neither team could break the deadlock in a match that served primarily as a fitness workout.

Match Overview

The game was characterised by midfield battles and cautious approach play, with both managers rotating heavily throughout the 90 minutes. Groningen, preparing for the Eerste Divisie campaign, started with a mix of first‑team regulars and fringe players. Volos, who will compete in the Greek Super League, fielded a strong lineup but lacked sharpness in the final third.

Best Chances

Groningen’s brightest moment came in the 22nd minute when winger Marin van der Meulen cut inside from the left and unleashed a dipping shot that forced a good save from Volos goalkeeper Boris Klaiman. The rebound fell to striker Kevin van Veen, but he scuffed his effort wide from close range.

Volos’s only clear opening arrived just before the hour mark. A quick counter‑attack released forward Juan Manuel García, but his shot was well saved by Groningen keeper Peter Leeuwenburgh, who later had to be alert to tip over a long‑range free‑kick from Anastasios Tsoukalas.

Second‑Half Substitutions

Both managers made wholesale changes in the second half, disrupting any rhythm. Groningen introduced youngsters like Jordi Heerkens and Djenahro Nunumete, while Volos sent on several trialists. The lack of cohesion meant the final half‑hour was largely played out in midfield with few genuine goal‑threats.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Groningen head coach Dennis van der Ree said after the match: “We had some decent spells and the clean sheet is pleasing, but we need to be more clinical in training. The legs are still heavy, so the result is secondary.” Volos counterpart Kostas Bratsos echoed similar sentiments, noting that his side are “only 60‑70% fit” and that the friendly provided useful minutes for players returning from injury.

What This Means

For Groningen, the draw extended their pre‑season unbeaten run to two games after a win against an amateur side last week. Volos will look for a sharper attacking display in their next friendly against a Cypriot opponent. Neither team will dwell on the scoreline, as both prioritised building fitness and integrating new signings over results.

The match drew a crowd of approximately 4,500, many of whom arrived expecting end‑to‑end action. Instead, they witnessed a cautious affair that underlined why pre‑season friendlies are often more about preparation than entertainment.