Robin Van Persie’s Heerenveen Win Derby of the North

Heerenveen secured a crucial 2-1 victory over FC Groningen in a heated Derby of the North on Sunday, bouncing back from a string of disappointing results.

In a dramatic encounter, the visitors were reduced to nine men, with two players sent off in the second half, allowing Robin van Persie’s side to claim a much-needed win. Coming into the match, the pressure was firmly on Van Persie and his team. After a humiliating 9-1 defeat last weekend and a 2-0 midweek loss to FC Twente, Heerenveen were desperate for a result. However, they faced a tough test in Groningen, who had been unbeaten in their first five matches under manager Dick Lukkien.

The Eredivisie game lived up to its billing as a fierce rivalry clash, and it was Groningen who struck first. Just ten minutes in, Luciano Valente opened the scoring with a composed finish after a pinpoint pass from Thom van Bergen cut through the heart of Heerenveen’s defence. Once again, defensive frailties were on display for Van Persie’s men, who have struggled to keep things tight at the back in recent matches.

Despite the early setback, Heerenveen showed great resilience to claw their way back into the contest. A moment of brilliance from Jacob Trenskow brought them level in the 23rd minute. The Danish midfielder latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and unleashed a stunning first-time strike that flew into the top corner, leaving Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen with no chance.

The equaliser lifted Heerenveen’s spirits, and they began to create a flurry of chances before the break. Luuk Brouwers was unfortunate not to put his side ahead when his effort from just inside the box cannoned off the post. Meanwhile, Groningen, despite their early dominance, struggled to find the fluidity that had made them so impressive in previous outings.

The turning point came just after the hour mark when Marvin Peersman’s reckless two-footed challenge on Brouwers prompted VAR to intervene. Referee Dennis Higler, after consulting the pitchside monitor, brandished a red card, leaving Groningen down to ten men.

Sensing an opportunity, Van Persie made a bold attacking substitution, bringing on striker Daniel Karlsbakk for defender Pawel Bochniewicz. The move paid off almost immediately. Ion Nicolaescu, with his back to goal, brilliantly controlled a cross inside the box, turned swiftly, and fired in a low shot to give Heerenveen a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute.

Groningen’s misery was compounded when they were reduced to nine men in the 77th minute. Brynjólfur Willumsson, their star player from last week’s win over Feyenoord, was shown a straight red card following another VAR review for a dangerous tackle on a Heerenveen player. With a numerical advantage, Heerenveen comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure all three points.

The result lifts Heerenveen to tenth in the Eredivisie, while Groningen’s unbeaten run comes to an end, leaving them fourth in the table.

Site Opinion

Heerenveen’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and Van Persie’s willingness to adapt tactically when needed. After a shaky start to the season, the decision to go on the front foot following the red card showed a proactive approach, something that will please the fans. The introduction of Karlsbakk at a crucial moment turned the game in Heerenveen’s favour, and it’s this kind of in-game management that could define Van Persie’s tenure.

For Groningen, the defeat will sting, particularly given the indiscipline that led to two red cards. Lukkien’s side had started the season impressively, but lapses in concentration and composure in key moments cost them dearly. They’ll need to regroup quickly if they are to maintain their strong early form in the league.