De Tukkers closed the gap on AZ with a comfortable 2-1 victory over FC Groningen at Arke Stadion. With the three points Twente ease within nine points of AZ as they head into the final six matches of the Eredivisie season.Visiting Groningen, who have hopes for a Europa League spot, had their backs against the wall early as they played a man down from the twelfth minute when Andreas Granqvist was sent off with a straight red-card for a handball. Prior to the ruling Twente controlled the run of play and the match had primarily been played in the Groningen half with their 'keeper Luciano coming to the rescue on a few occasions. With eleven minutes remaining for the break Blaise Kufo's creativity provided Eljero Elia a scoring chance with his effort taking an impossible to defend deflection into the net. The only downside for Twente was an injury to Ronnie Stam just before the half with him needing to be replaced by Romano Denneboom. At the restart de Tukkers continued to dominate and only Luciano held back further scoring. Finally with eighteen minutes remaining Twente found its insurance goal as Kenneth Perez provided Peter Wisgerhof to redirect in. With the match sealed off Blaise Kufo unfortunately received a yellow-card with two minutes left and is now out of the upcoming match against NEC in Nijmegen. A late consolation goal by Marcus Berg brought the match to 2-1 final and continues the great run by Steve McClaren's Twente.
Photo Source F.C. Twente 1965
