FC Utrecht lost to Real Betis in the Europa League despite an amazing goal from Rodriguez

The gigantic Estadio La Cartuja was well filled for the showdown in the Europa League, with a large Utrecht delegation of around 4,000 supporters. They initially saw their favorites doing well. Both teams were evenly matched in the opening phase and FC Utrecht offered good resistance to the Spanish star ensemble.

Contrary to expectations, star player Isco was given a starting place at Real Betis, but he had to leave the field after a few minutes after a bizarre incident. Isco and former FC Utrecht player Sofyan Amrabat both went for the ball and the Moroccan international took full swing, but kicked at Isco. The former Spanish international was the first to have to be replaced injured, but a short time later Amrabat was also unable to continue.

The first big chance is for FC Utrecht

The first big chance of the match was for FC Utrecht through Souffian El Karouani, who made good progress from the left back position but was unable to get the ball past goalkeeper Vallès. Mike van der Hoorn returned to the team of trainer Ron Jans. The experienced defender played an important role when he cleared a shot from Cucho Hernandez on the goal line.

In addition to Van der Hoorn and goalkeeper Michael Brouwer, who replaced the suspended Vasilis Barkas, Jans had also reserved a starting place for Can Bozdogan. The midfielder had to provide some extra balance and physical strength to the Utrecht midfield and was this time preferred to Gjivai Zechiël. It was disappointing that Bozdogan of all people scored the goal. First the German of Turkish origin suffered a careless loss of ball, then he got the chance to recover, but he was easily put away by Antony. The former Ajax player was therefore given the space to give an excellent cross, which was headed into the goal by Cucho Hernandez.

Antony escapes red

Antony really shouldn’t have been on the field at that moment. The Brazilian showed that he has not forgotten his old tricks. With a headbutt towards El Karouani during a sprint duel, the Brazilian emphatically applied for a red card, but the Serbian refereeing quartet let Antony escape, while this was a typical moment for the VAR to get on the line.

Antony and El Karouani, who is linked to Real Betis in Spain, were constantly at odds with each other. We had to wait to see who would see the first card for the mutual collisions, but in the extra time of the first half, the clumsy goalkeeper Brouwer collided hard with El Karouani, who remained shaken. The left back was able to leave the field under his own power, but did not return after the break.

Amazing goal Rodriguez

Real Betis had a strong phase after the break and went 2-0 when Abdessamad Ezzalzouli hit the target with a hard shot, which seemed tenable for goalkeeper Brouwer. With that the battle seemed to be decided, but that was not expected by Miguel Rodriguez. The Spaniard, who had also scored against FC Porto, scored an incredible tying goal. The Spaniard surprised goalkeeper Vallès with a kick from the halfway line, a beautiful goal (2-1).

FC Utrecht was given wings by the beautiful goal and also seemed to come alongside immediately thanks to Derry John Murkin, who had replaced El Karouani at half-time. However, the VAR put a stop to the Utrecht celebrations by finding that Murkin had been offside.

Jans’ team could continue to dream of an equalizer, because Brouwer saved from Antony’s shot. In extra time, FC Utrecht had a great chance to equalize through Dani de Wit, but the ball went wide, making FC Utrecht’s fourth defeat in the group stage of the Europa League a fact and leaving the Utrecht team at one point.