Unseen hero between the posts lifts Utrecht | OneFootball

Vasilis Barkas set the tone in the 21st minute with a sharp low save, helping Utrecht beat AZ 2-0.

The goalkeeper's early stop steadied Utrecht after a bright AZ start. He read the angle and got down quickly to his right, a first big intervention that allowed the hosts to lean on their fast start rather than chase.

After the restart he was busier. Barkas tipped away Mees de Wit's drive (49.). Moments later he stood up to Troy Parrott, smothering the striker's effort from the centre of the box (56.).

He kept his concentration late too, palming aside Weslley Patati's low shot (84.) and clawing out Kees Smit's rising effort (86.). Each save protected a two-goal cushion and deflated AZ surges.

The numbers underline it: six saves, including four from shots inside the area, plus one high claim. With AZ enjoying 58.7% possession and registering six efforts on target, Barkas's positioning and handling were the difference between a routine finish and a nervy one.

Utrecht rise from 10th to 8th in the Eredivisie and visit Heracles next. AZ drop from 5th to 6th and host Telstar in the KNVB Beker before travelling to PSV.