Groningen edge Utrecht as VAR drama and big saves define opener | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Groningen beat Utrecht 2-1 to start their Eredivisie season with three points at the Euroborg. In the eighth minute, Brynjolfur Willumsson finished from the centre of the box to put the hosts ahead. VAR then ruled out a second for Willumsson (35.), and after the restart Thom van Bergen doubled the lead with a left-footed strike (48.). Etienne Vaessen produced six saves, limiting the visitors to a single reply from substitute Adrian Blake (79.). Groningen sit fifth and visit ADO Den Haag next, while Utrecht are 13th and host AZ.

Player of the Match: Etienne Vaessen commanded his box and made six saves, including key stops either side of half time, to underpin Groningen's win.

Stat of the Match: Utrecht registered seven shots on target, yet found Vaessen in inspired form as only one effort beat him.

Three Things We Learned: David van der Werff carried real creative punch for Groningen, supplying four key passes and completing 14 successful final-third passes. Utrecht's wide delivery was a threat with 52.9% crossing accuracy from 17 attempts. Groningen controlled large spells with 58.9% possession, helping them manage the game after going two up.