Before the tactical shifts and cup runs that defined the later parts of the 2014/2015 season, FC Groningen started the campaign riding the wave of a historic, record-breaking run. Page 21 of the matchday programme against Ajax provides a sobering statistical reality check, documenting the end of an era while celebrating individual longevity.
Under the header “FC: TWEE REEKSEN TEN EINDE” (FC: Two streaks ended), the programme notes the conclusion of a unique club record. Between March 22 and August 17, 2014 (spanning across two seasons), the team had achieved an unprecedented eight consecutive Eredivisie victories. Additionally, a streak of seven away games without defeat had also just been snapped by a loss in Den Haag. It was a reminder that in football, gravity eventually catches up with everyone.
However, amidst the broken streaks, there was cause for celebration. The “Club van 100” section highlighted that both Eric Botteghin and Tjaronn Chery had recently played their 100th Eredivisie matches. They joined a highly experienced core group at the club, alongside Rasmus Lindgren, Tom Hiariej, Nick van der Velden, and Maikel Kieftenbeld, who all had over a century of top-flight appearances.
A Look into the Future
Looking back from 2026, that broken 8-match winning streak was proof of the immense potential manager Erwin van de Looi had unlocked within the squad. While the streak ended, the experience highlighted in the “Club van 100” proved crucial. It was exactly this core group of battle-hardened Eredivisie veterans—led by Botteghin and Chery—who possessed the mental fortitude to bounce back from defeats, adapt to new tactical systems, and ultimately guide FC Groningen to their historic KNVB Cup victory nine months later.