FC Utrecht and AZ close to main stage of European competitions after first leg away wins
FC Utrecht and AZ took big steps toward qualifying for the main stage of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League on Thursday. Both sides picked up 2-0 victories away from home in the first leg of their playoff ties. Utrecht were victorious in Bosnia against Zrinjski Mostar, while AZ defeated Levski Sofia in Bulgaria.
Utrecht broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. A cross from Niklas Vesterlund hit the hand of a Mostar defender. The referee did not give the penalty initially, but it was awarded after a VAR review. The penalty was taken and converted by David Min.
Sebastian Haller came on for Utrecht midway through the second half. The striker had re-joined Utrecht six months ago on loan, but recently made his move permanent.
Utrecht may have sealed their qualification for the main stage in the 85th minute. Gijval Zechiel continued his terrific early-season form, putting in a terrific cross to the second post where Victor Jensen headed home to give Ron Jans’ side a two-goal lead going into the second leg next week in Utrecht.
The home team also finished the game with ten men as Petar Mamic was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 94th minute.
While Utrecht scored a goal in each half, AZ Alkmaar’s goals came in quick succession in their game in the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium in Sofia. AZ scored the first goal of the game in the 56th minute. A deep cross from Isak Jensen was powerfully headed into the far corner by Ibrahim Sadiq.
Their second goal came six minutes later. Kees Smit did very well to win the ball and create space in the penalty area before laying the ball off to Peer Koopmeiners. His effort was saved initially by Sofia’s keeper Svetoslav Vutsov before Troy Parrot converted the rebound, scoring his 10th goal in just seven games this season.
Both sides will now be expected to finish the job in the second leg, which takes place next week. Utrecht face Excelsior before that in the Eredivisie on Sunday, while AZ travel away to NAC Breda.
