Utrecht Impresses in Europa League Opener with Confident Win in Moldova
FC Utrecht launched their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign in style, securing a vital 3-1 away win over Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol. Playing in the neutral city of Nisporeni due to safety concerns in Tiraspol, the Dutch club delivered a mature performance that sets them up strongly ahead of the return leg in Utrecht.
Strong Start Despite Hostile Territory
With the tie relocated to Nisporeni, Sheriff Tiraspol hoped to take advantage of familiar surroundings, having already found rhythm in their domestic league, which is five matches in. Utrecht, meanwhile, stuck to a tried-and-tested lineup, with manager Ron Jans handing a full debut to Feyenoord loanee Gjivai Zechiel.
Despite Utrecht’s stability, it was Sheriff who struck first. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Peter Ademo capitalized on a perfectly timed long throw-in, giving the Moldovan side a brief lead.
Jensen Levels the Score, Utrecht Seizes Control
FC Utrecht didn’t take long to respond. Just nine minutes after going behind, Danish midfielder Victor Jensen found the equalizer, volleying home from a Souffian El Karouani corner. That goal shifted the momentum in Utrecht’s favor heading into halftime, despite Sheriff edging possession early on.
After the break, Utrecht ramped up the pressure. In the 54th minute, team captain Nick Viergever delivered a thunderous volley into the top corner—again from an El Karouani corner—putting the visitors ahead for the first time in the match.
Missed Chances and a Moment of Magic
Sheriff nearly clawed back in the 68th minute when Papa Yade, who had been lively throughout, missed a golden opportunity to level the game—failing to convert into an open net. That miss proved costly.
Minutes later, Utrecht’s Adrian Blake put the result beyond doubt. The English winger weaved through defenders before slotting the ball into the far corner, securing a two-goal cushion that silenced the home crowd and gave Utrecht full control of the tie.
A Night to Remember for Rising Star Van Ommeren
The evening also marked a memorable milestone for young talent Jaygo van Ommeren. The 16-year-old made his senior debut in the 80th minute, replacing Alonzo Engwanda. Having logged just eight minutes previously for Jong FC Utrecht in the Eerste Divisie, Van Ommeren’s appearance at the European level signaled the club’s faith in its youth system.
Sheriff Faces Uphill Battle in Second Leg
With a 3-1 deficit, Sheriff Tiraspol will need to produce something special in the second leg at Stadion Galgenwaard on July 31 to keep their European hopes alive. Utrecht, on the other hand, returns home with confidence and a clear path to the next round.
