FC Utrecht Secures Victory Over AZ Alkmaar

FC Utrecht secured a significant victory over AZ Alkmaar on Sunday evening, propelling them to second place in the Eredivisie league standings. The match, held in Alkmaar, saw AZ initially take the lead courtesy of Troy Parrott‘s early strike. However, Utrecht responded with goals from Yoann Cathline and Paxten Aaronsen to complete a thrilling comeback.

The opening goal arrived in the 24th minute when Troy Parrott capitalized on a defensive error by Utrecht. Mike van der Hoorn inadvertently left the ball for goalkeeper Vasilias Barkas, allowing Sven Mijnans to intervene and assist Parrott, who slotted the ball into an empty net.

Utrecht’s equalizer came just seven minutes later. Yoann Cathline received the ball on the wing and, with a deflection, managed to find the bottom corner, leveling the score. Throughout the game, scoring opportunities were limited, yet the few shots on target proved decisive.

Paxten Aaronsen delivered the winning goal for Utrecht with a single touch finish from a cross by Sofian El Karouani. The game intensified after Utrecht took the lead, with AZ coming close to equalizing on several occasions.

Notably, Jayden Addai had a chance for AZ, while Victor Jensen of Utrecht hit the crossbar twice in quick succession in the 72nd minute. In a remarkable moment echoed by AZ, David Møller Wolfe also struck the crossbar twice in rapid order following a cross by Sven Mijnans.

Despite the sheer number of close calls, both teams now stand equal on 16 points each in the season. Utrecht, however, has the advantage in the standings due to their superior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Ajax continued their positive momentum with a 2-0 victory against RKC Waalwijk. Coming off a commanding 4-0 win over Besiktas in the European competition midweek, Ajax fielded a rotated lineup under manager Francesco Farioli. Young talents Jayden Banel and Christian Rasmussen made notable appearances up front.

In the first half, Ajax dominated possession but created few scoring opportunities. However, Branco van den Boomen came close with a free kick that struck the post. The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Davy Klaassen‘s effort, saved onto the goalpost, was followed up by Bertrand Traore. The substitute from Burkina Faso struck instantly to put Ajax ahead.

The match concluded with Mika Godts securing victory in the 94th minute, the winger elegantly placing the ball into the bottom corner following his introduction as a substitute.