FC Utrecht and AZ book places in main stage of Europa League, Conference League
FC Utrecht and AZ Alkmaar booked their place in the main stage of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League on Thursday. Utrecht drew 0-0 at home to Zrinjski Mostar, having won the first leg 2-0, while AZ hammered Levski Sofia 4-1 at home.
There were celebrations in the Galgenwaard after the game. It was a dull match with just three shots on target, but that did not matter. Mike van der Hoorn led the celebrations on the pitch, starting chants with the crowd with the aid of a megaphone. It is the first time in 15 years that Utrecht will be playing in the Europa League this season.
AZ had a much easier game in Alkmaar. The score was broken after just three minutes when Ibrahim Sadiq nodded home a rebound from a Peer Koopmeiners shot.
The second goal came just three minutes later. A low cross was knocked into the goal by the young striker, Mexx Meerdink. Sadiq then got his second in injury time of the first half after a sublime attack from Maarten Martens' side. A pass from Mees de Wit came through to Meerdink, who unselfishly passed the ball across to Sadiq to tap home.
The final two goals were scored by Everton Bala for Levski Sofia before Lequincio Zeefuik got his first goal for AZ.
Both sides will find out their opponents tomorrow when the draws are made in Monaco. They will each play four games at home and four games away. Feyenoord and Go Ahead Eagles will also find out their opponents.
