Utrecht strike early and climb to eighth | OneFootball

Utrecht beat AZ 2-0 at Stadion Galgenwaard to rise from 10th to eighth in the Eredivisie.

In the ninth minute, Yoann Cathline steered a right-footed finish into the bottom right corner after a corner to give the hosts the lead. Gjivai Zechiël then won a penalty when he was fouled by the goalkeeper, and Artem Stepanov converted from the spot (35.).

After the restart, AZ manager Leeroy Echteld introduced Kees Smit, Troy Parrott and Elijah Dijkstra at half time to tilt the game their way, but Parrott was denied by Vasilis Barkas as the visitors pushed.

Barkas produced six saves, including low stops from Mees de Wit, to protect the advantage as Utrecht absorbed pressure and managed the game.

Utrecht registered 12 attempts, three on target, with 41.3% possession. AZ finished with 10 attempts, six on target, and 58.7% of the ball.

AZ slip from fifth to sixth in the table. Next, Utrecht visit Heracles in the league, while AZ host Telstar in the KNVB Beker semi-finals.