Late difference-maker lifts Utrecht at Groningen | OneFootball

Jesper Karlsson won it in the first minute of second half stoppage time with a right-footed finish, giving Utrecht a 2-1 victory at Groningen.

The substitute drifted into the centre and guided his shot into the bottom left corner, turning a tense finale into three points for the visitors.

From the moment he came on, he attacked the left channel and drew fouls that pushed Groningen back. His direct running and willingness to receive between the lines repeatedly forced the defence to retreat.

He finished with one attempt and one goal, two touches in the box and three possessions won. He was fouled twice, completed three passes in the final third and kept moves alive with four accurate passes from six.

Because Utrecht's wide structure left him space to drive inside, his fresh legs and timing unsettled a tiring back line and set up the decisive late strike.

Utrecht rise from 10th to ninth and host PEC Zwolle next. Groningen visit FC Twente.