Fortuna Sittard has a point left over from the away match at FC Utrecht. In Stadion Galgenwaard, Fortuna coach Sjors Ultee’s team drew 1-1 and in any case passes Willem II in the ranking.
In the last minute of regular time, the home team appeared to score the winning goal, but the VAR decided otherwise. Fortuna takes a fortunate, but certainly also deserved point.
early downer
Fortuna Sittard fell 1-0 behind early in the game. Bart Ramselaar made in the fifth minute all the opening goal. Moments later, the home team had another opportunity, but this time Ramselaar’s effort was without consequence. It indicated the intentions of Utrecht coach Rick Kruys.
After 25 minutes Ultee was forced to make substitutions. Captain Ben Rienstra unfortunately collided with Othmane Boussaid and was unable to continue. Tesfaldet Tekie was his replacement.
Fortuna had few attacking moments, although it had come into the game slightly better. Two shots, none on target, gave the statistics. In the 33rd minute, the Sittard team got away well when the Utrecht attackers Ramselaar and Quinten Timber got in each other’s way. Timber was dangerous again in the injury time of the first half, but his shot went wide. 1-0 at halftime.
touch
There were opportunities at the start of the second half for Mats Seuntjens and Zian Flemming. A save from Utrecht goalkeeper Fabian de Keijzer and then a bet that was cleared before the line prevented Fortuna from reaching the same level. What followed was an open game with chances for both goals. After a little over an hour of play, it happened. Zian Flemming gave the final tap. Then it was Utrecht’s turn again. Goalkeeper Yanick van Osch stopped at a cross, but substitute Mimoun Mahi did the same, so the chance was lost.
VAR
Both trainers switched. At Fortuna, Tijjani Noslin was replaced by Lisandro Semedo and Paul Gladon took the lead for Charlison Benschop. Fortuna had more possession and was more dangerous in front of goal. There were good long shots from Seuntjens, who was stopped by the Utrecht goalkeeper and from Flemming, who was turned into a corner. Utrecht also sought the attack and the more than 21,000 spectators saw a fascinating match. Ivo Pinto came to alternate George Cox on the left wing, but the moment came in the 90th minute. Utrecht seemed to take the lead after the ball had already hit the crossbar. But the VAR rejected the hit because Willem Janssen would have made hands. And Fortuna could be satisfied with that 1-1.
Competition
Later this Saturday evening competitor Sparta will play the away match at AFC Ajax. On Sunday afternoon, RKC will visit PSV and in the evening PEC will play against AZ in Zwolle. PEC, Sparta, Willem II and to a lesser extent RKC are the teams that will decide together with Fortuna who will remain in the Eredivisie, who will be relegated directly or will do so via the post-competition.
Fortuna will play the make-up match against Sparta next Saturday in Sittard.