Heracles came from behind to beat Groningen 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, overturning a second-half deficit with two late goals.
Groningen broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute through B. Willumsson, who slotted home to give the visitors the lead just after the hour mark. The goal came shortly after Groningen had made an early tactical adjustment, introducing W. Prins for N. Emeran at halftime as they looked to freshen up their attacking options.
Heracles responded swiftly, though. M. Benita drew the hosts level in the 70th minute with a well-taken finish, setting up a grandstand finish. The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute when J. Zamburek struck to complete the turnaround, sending Heracles' bench into celebration and sealing the win in the closing stages.
Groningen had picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute as the only blemish on an otherwise disciplined first half, but their inability to hold onto their second-half lead proved costly.
The result will offer Heracles' coaching staff encouragement heading into the new season, with their late-game resilience and ability to find goals in the final 20 minutes standing out as a key takeaway. Groningen, meanwhile, will need to address their game management after failing to protect a one-goal advantage against a determined home side.