Go Ahead Eagles pick up shock victory in Greece; FC Utrecht lose away to SK Brann
Go Ahead Eagles picked up a shock 2-1 victory away to Greek side Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Milan Smit scored twice in the second half to pick up the first win for a Dutch side in Europe this season. FC Utrecht lost 1-0 away to SK Brann in Norway.
Go Ahead had it difficult against Panathinaikos, who won their first game in the Europa League 4-1 away to Swiss side Young Boys. Go Ahead lost their first game at home to FCSB. Melvin Boel’s team is the first side to win a game in Europe while facing at least 26 shots since Sheriff Tiraspol beat Real Madrid in 2021.
Utrecht were facing a Brann side who picked up a narrow loss against Lille last week. Ron Jans’ side lost 1-0 to Olympique Lyonnais.
Both Dutch teams made changes in the striker position for the game. Victor Edvardsen missed out for Go Ahead due to an injury, meaning that Milan Smit started in the striker position. At Utrecht, Ron Jans decided to drop Sebastien Haller to the bench for David Min.
And it was Min who had the biggest chance of the first half for Utrecht. Gijval Zechiel put in a great cross for the striker, but his finish was poor, sending a wayward effort far wide of the goal when it seemed to be an easy chance.
This proved costly as the home team took the lead before halftime. Midfielder Felix Hohn Myhre dribbled to the byline before pulling the ball back to the striker Saevar Atli Magnusson. His effort was deflected by Utrecht’s captain, Nick Viergever, into the goal.
Go Ahead went behind in the 55th minute. A corner from Brazilian winger Tete was headed into the goal at the near post by Karol Swiderski.
The team from Deventer equalized 20 minutes later. Full back Dean James came forward and found Smit in the box, the striker prodded the ball towards goal, and the effort rolled over the line via Alban Lafont.
This sent the traveling Go Ahead fans into wild celebrations, but the 1,200 supporters were able to celebrate a winning goal seven minutes later. Again, it was the duo of James and Smit who combined; the left back’s cross was knocked into the far corner by Smit to make it 2-1.
It was a huge victory for Go Ahead, who seemed to have lost their easiest game last week against FCSB. This is similar to how FC Utrecht will be feeling tonight. Ron Jans’ side struggled to create any opportunities against Brann in their 1-0 defeat. The Norwegians seemed to be Utrecht’s easiest opponents on paper.
