FC Utrecht Draws Potential Showdown with Plzen or Servette in Europa League Qualifiers
FC Utrecht’s path in the UEFA Europa League is beginning to take shape. Following Monday’s draw in Nyon, the Eredivisie club now knows it could face either Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic or Switzerland’s Servette FC in the third qualifying round—should they advance past Sheriff Tiraspol in the second round.
Utrecht Starts with Sheriff in Second Qualifier
After a strong domestic campaign that saw them finish fourth in the 2024/25 Eredivisie, FC Utrecht earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifying stages. Their European journey begins in the second qualifying round, where they will meet Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol. The two-legged tie is set for July 24 (away) and July 31 (home).
Progression past Sheriff would mark a key step forward in Utrecht’s European campaign and set up a high-stakes third-round encounter.
Plzen or Servette Await in Potential Third Round
Should Utrecht see off Sheriff, they will go on to face the loser of the Viktoria Plzen vs. Servette FC matchup in the third qualifying round. Both clubs bring distinct challenges. Viktoria Plzen, a staple in Czech football with consistent European experience, would be a new opponent for Utrecht. Meanwhile, the Dutch side has crossed paths with Servette just once—during a 2022 friendly.
The third-round ties are scheduled for August 7 and 14, with the first leg being hosted by either Plzen or Servette. Utrecht—or Sheriff, should they pull off an upset—will host the second leg in the Netherlands or Moldova respectively.
Road to the Europa League: A Key Test for Utrecht
As the qualifying rounds heat up, FC Utrecht has a clear objective: return to the European group stages. The upcoming matches offer both opportunity and risk, with Sheriff, Plzen, and Servette all providing stiff competition.
The draw sets the stage for an exciting summer of football for Utrecht fans, as the club prepares for a potentially challenging route to the UEFA Europa League proper.
