FC Groningen delivered a stunning performance to defeat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 in the Netherlands Eredivisie on March 22, 2026. This emphatic home victory at the Euroborg stadium was a significant upset, as Groningen dominated one of the league's traditional powers from start to finish. The home side set the tone with an early goal, capitalizing on a defensive error to take the lead. Groningen doubled their advantage before halftime through a well-worked team move, leaving AZ Alkmaar with a mountain to climb. The match was sealed in the second half with a third goal, a powerful strike from outside the box that gave the AZ goalkeeper no chance. The standout performance came from Groningen's midfield, which controlled the tempo and relentlessly pressed AZ off the ball. This result had a major impact on the Eredivisie table, with Groningen climbing away from the relegation zone while dealing a blow to AZ's European qualification hopes. The Groningen manager would have hailed his team's intensity, while the AZ coach was left to criticize a lackluster display from his side.