AZ Alkmaar produced a thrilling 4-3 Eredivisie victory over Groningen at the AFAS Stadion on Sunday, 8 November 2026, surviving a late fightback in one of the season’s most entertaining matches. The home side looked in control for long spells, but Groningen’s relentless second-half response turned a comfortable lead into a tense finale. AZ’s attacking quality ultimately made the difference, while Groningen left with credit despite the defeat.

Match overview

AZ Alkmaar set the tone early, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. The hosts were rewarded for their early dominance when Sven Mijnans opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing calmly after a well-worked move down the right. AZ doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Troy Parrott, whose sharp movement inside the penalty area created just enough space for a low finish.

Groningen responded well before half-time. Thom van Bergen pulled one back in the 41st minute, converting a quick counterattack that exposed AZ’s high defensive line. That goal changed the mood inside the stadium and gave the visitors belief heading into the interval.

Key moments

• 12’ – AZ 1-0: Sven Mijnans finishes a flowing team move to give the hosts an early lead.
• 27’ – AZ 2-0: Troy Parrott punishes a loose ball in the box with a composed finish.
• 41’ – AZ 2-1: Thom van Bergen scores on the counter to bring Groningen back into the contest.
• 58’ – AZ 3-1: Ruben van Bommel restores AZ’s two-goal cushion after a period of sustained pressure.
• 67’ – AZ 3-2: Groningen strike again through a set-piece scramble, setting up a dramatic final quarter.
• 79’ – AZ 4-2: Mexx Meerdink scores what proves to be the winner with a powerful near-post strike.
• 88’ – AZ 4-3: Groningen score a third, but AZ hold on through five tense minutes of stoppage time.

Tactical story

AZ’s approach was built on quick combinations in the final third and aggressive overlapping runs from full-back. The hosts repeatedly found space between Groningen’s midfield and defence, particularly in the first hour. Their willingness to shoot from the edge of the box also kept Groningen’s goalkeeper busy.

Groningen, however, refused to collapse. Their midfield pressed higher after half-time and forced AZ into several rushed clearances. The visitors’ direct running and set-piece threat made the closing stages uncomfortable for the home side. AZ’s decision to drop deeper after their fourth goal invited pressure, but the defence produced two crucial late clearances to protect the three points.

Standout players

Troy Parrott was central to AZ’s attacking play, linking midfield and attack while also getting on the scoresheet. Sven Mijnans controlled the tempo in the middle, and Ruben van Bommel’s direct running caused problems throughout. For Groningen, Thom van Bergen was the standout performer, leading the line with energy and intelligence and giving the AZ defence a difficult evening.

Eredivisie impact

The result strengthens AZ Alkmaar’s position in the upper half of the Eredivisie standings and keeps their push for European qualification on track. For Groningen, the defeat is a frustrating one, but the performance — and the three goals scored away from home — offers encouragement for the matches ahead. The head-to-head record now favours AZ again after a night of seven goals, defensive mistakes, and relentless attacking football.

AZ will take confidence from the win but will also know that their game management needs to be sharper in the coming weeks. Groningen, meanwhile, can build on a spirited second-half display that tested one of the league’s stronger home sides right to the final whistle.