When a team is chasing a historic sixth consecutive Eredivisie victory, it helps to have a statistically favorable opponent walking into your stadium. Page 10 of the May 2014 matchday programme reveals that Heracles Almelo was exactly the kind of guest FC Groningen wanted to see on the final day of the regular season.
The “De Historie” section proudly declares: “FC won zes keer in Euroborg” (FC won six times in Euroborg). The text and the accompanying “Head-to-Head” table break down a history of absolute home dominance. Out of 20 previous official meetings on Groningen soil (spanning both the old Oosterpark and the modern Euroborg), the Pride of the North had won 15 times, drawn twice, and lost only three times. That translates to a staggering 75% win rate.
The list of the last twenty meetings shows a sea of green victories, including a 4-2 win in 2006 and a 2-0 win in 2012. For the fans reading this programme before kickoff, the numbers provided a deep sense of comfort. While Heracles had secured their Eredivisie survival the previous week and could play freely, the historical gravity of the stadium suggested that the points were highly likely to stay in the north.
A Look into the Future
The historical trend held perfectly true. FC Groningen defeated Heracles Almelo 3-1 that afternoon, securing their historic sixth consecutive victory and heading into the European playoffs brimming with confidence. The Euroborg continued to be a notoriously difficult fortress for the team from Almelo to conquer in the years that followed. This page serves as a statistical reminder that in football, while form is temporary, historical home advantage often carries a psychological weight that is incredibly difficult for visiting teams to overcome.