Last night (Friday) FC Utrecht and FC Groningen did not manage to crack each other’s defensive codes. The get-together in Stadium Galgenwaard between the number 6 and the number eight of the Eredivisie ended in 0-0.
The match took place mainly on the FC Groningen half. FC Utrecht were on the ball, and the Pride of the North had withdrawn. Eying for a good moment to launch a cutting-edge counter attack. Aiming to surprise the Dom City’s last line. It did not come to that in the atmospheric Stadium Galgenwaard. But the home team did not manage to overcome the Groningen barriers either.
Big opportunity in early stages
There were opportunities to test goalkeeper Sergio Padt. The match had only just started when Sander van de Streek had a big opportunity to shoot. Padt came to the rescue and a bit later the FC Groningen goalkeeper watched how Van de Streek headed the ball wide of the goal after a Nicolas Gavory cross.
Not the right direction
Later during the evening there were more opportunities for Van de Streek and also Sean Klaiber (shot), Michiel Kramer (header) and substitute Othmane Boussaid (shot). But either they did not focus well or they were stopped by Padt. His Danish colleague at the other end of the pitch, David Jensen, was less busy, but acted appropriately if needed.
Undefeated series
The goalless draw meant a series of four matches without a defeat for FC Utrecht.; a series that followed a series of four defeats. FC Groningen, after AZ the best performing team of 2019, remain undefeated six games in a row.
NAC Breda away
FC Utrecht will come into action again on Saturday 16 March. On that day head coach Dick Advocaat’s team will play against NAC Breda in the Rat Verlegh Stadium. That is the last match before the coming international break. After that break FC Utrecht will pick up the thread again on Sunday 31 March. Feyenoord will then be visiting Stadium Galgenwaard. Tickets are on sale both for NAC Breda away and for the home match against Feyenoord.
FC Utrecht - FC Groningen 0-0 (0-0)
Yellow cards: Willem Janssen (FC Utrecht), Jeffrey Chabot, Ludovit Reis, Thomas Bruns, Ajdin Hrustic (allen FC Groningen).
Attendance: 18,146.
Referee: Björn Kuipers.
Line-up FC Utrecht:
David Jensen; Sean Klaiber, Timo Letschert, Willem Janssen, Nicolas Gavory; Joris van Overeem (67. Othmane Boussaid), Sander van de Streek, Simon Gustafson; Gyrano Kerk, Michiel Kramer, Riechedly Bazoer (80. Nick Venema).
Line-up FC Groningen:
Sergio Padt; Deyovaisio Zeefuik, Mike te Wierik, Jeffrey Chabot, Tim Handwerker; Ilias Bel Hassani (87. Ajdin Hrustic), Ludovit Reis, Samir Memisevic, Thomas Bruns; Mimoun Mahi (89. Paul Gladon), Kaj Sierhuis (73. Mo El Hank
