Eredivisie playoff: ADO claim Europa League berth

ADO Den Haag has qualified for next season’s Europa League – but only just – after edging Groningen in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday.

ADO cruised to a 5-1 victory in the first leg of the playoff tie and it seemed they had booked their spot in continental football next season.

But they were given an almighty scare by Groningen, who struck four goals in the second half to win 5-1 on Sunday and send the match into extra-time.

Tim Matavz’s 24th-minute goal set the ball rolling for Groningen but Lex Immers’ response 13 minutes later looked to have killed off any chance of a miracle comeback.

Virgil van Dijk gave the Groningen fans something to cheer about when he netted after 50 minutes and when Leandro Bacuna put the hosts 3-1 up six minutes later they dared to dream.

Van Dijk scored his second not long after to set up an exciting finish.

As ADO defended and tried to hold onto their lead, they allowed Groningen more and more possession, which led to an equaliser with two minutes of normal time remaining.

ADO defender Mitchell Pique was handed a straight red card and gave away a penalty for his efforts, with Matavz netting from the spot to level the scores 6-6 on aggregate.

Down to 10 men, ADO hung on for penalties – which they won 4-3 – as they booked a berth in European competition for the first time since 1987.