AZ and FC Utrecht cruise to next qualifying round of European competitions
FC Utrecht and AZ Alkmaar made easy work of advancing to the next round of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League on Thursday. Utrecht followed up their 1-3 win against Servette in the first leg of Europa League qualifying with a 2-1 win in the Galgenwaard, while AZ won 1-0 in Vaduz to advance in the Conference League.
Both sides had already made a huge step towards the next round in the first legs, and yet both teams only made a few changes to their line-up. Troy Parrott, who scored two goals at the weekend in AZ’s 4-1 win against Groningen, started on the bench in Vaduz. While Ron Jans played his strongest side available in Utrecht.
It was a professional victory for Jans’ side. Victor Jensen helped his team to victory with two goals. The Danish striker broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when he reacted quickest to a shot from Gijval Zechiel, which had been palmed out by the keeper.
Utrecht’s second goal in the 74th minute was a well-worked team goal. Zechiel was at the heart of it again, finding the onrushing left back Derry Murkin, who stayed calm to cut the ball back to Jensen for the simple finish. It was Jensen’s fourth goal in the Europa League qualifying stage.
Servette were able to get a consolation goal in the 80th minute when a foul by Alonzo Engwanda-Ongena resulted in a penalty for the visitors from Switzerland, which was converted by Ablie Jallow.
AZ had a tougher game in Liechtenstein, where goalkeeper Jeroen Poet was named man of the match. The game was made much more difficult for Maarten Martens’ men when Ro-Zangelo Daal was sent off within seven minutes for a straight red having already been booked in the second minute.
Eventually, it was Parrott who came off the bench to score the winner for AZ once more. The Irish striker was fouled in the box just minutes after coming on. He then took the penalty himself and converted it.
Utrecht will face Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar in the next round of Europa League qualifying. Jans’ side is assured of at least a Conference League spot due to the win.
AZ will face the Bulgarian side Levski Sofia in the next round, who knocked out Sabah FC from Azerbaijan in this qualifying round.
