In a thrilling showdown at Stadion Galgenwaard, FC Utrecht celebrated Legends Day with a convincing 3-1 victory over FC Groningen on April 13, 2025. The home team, donning special retro kits reminiscent of their 1985 KNVB Cup triumph, showcased a dominant performance, scoring three goals in the first half to secure a comfortable lead.
FC Utrecht's Souffian El Karouani opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a powerful volley after his initial free-kick attempt was blocked. His determination paid off as he struck the rebound decisively into the net, igniting the home crowd's excitement. Just nine minutes later, Yoann Cathline doubled the lead, firing a precise shot from nearly 20 meters out after receiving a pass from Van der Hoorn, making it 2-0.
FC Groningen managed to pull one back in the 32nd minute when Stije Resink connected with a corner kick, heading the ball into the net and re-igniting hopes for the visitors. However, just before the halftime whistle, Sébastien Haller restored the two-goal cushion for Utrecht with a spectacular back-heeled finish, leaving the score at 3-1 as the teams headed into the break.
Despite a spirited effort from Groningen, FC Utrecht controlled the second half, limiting their opponents to few clear chances. Utrecht continued to look dangerous, with both Cathline and Haller coming close to extending the lead further. Haller's acrobatic attempt in the 68th minute narrowly missed the target, while Cathline was thwarted by the Groningen goalkeeper Vaessen in a one-on-one situation.
FC Utrecht's manager Ron Jans expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing their strong start. "We really focused on starting well this time. We’ve often found ourselves coming from behind, but today we executed our game plan perfectly," Jans remarked post-match.
El Karouani, who had faced criticism for his previous performance, was pleased with his goal and the team’s overall display. "I’m happy with my goal. What more can I say? The past is behind us, and I just wanted to contribute to the team," he stated confidently.
With this victory, FC Utrecht remains firmly in fourth place in the Eredivisie standings, now boasting 56 points after 29 matches. They are just three points behind third-placed Feyenoord, keeping their hopes alive for a strong finish to the season.
In other Eredivisie action on the same day, FC Utrecht’s rivals were also in action. Willem II surprisingly took a 1-0 lead against Ajax, courtesy of a goal from Emilio Kehrer just before halftime. Despite Ajax's dominance in possession, they struggled to break down the resilient Willem II defense.
Meanwhile, PEC Zwolle and FC Twente ended their match in a 1-1 draw, with both teams exchanging goals in the second half. Lucas Vennegoor of Hesselink nearly secured a late winner for FC Twente but was unable to convert a crucial chance.
In a closely contested match, Heracles Almelo edged out AZ with a 1-0 victory, a result that keeps them in contention for a playoff spot for European football.
As the season progresses, FC Utrecht’s focus will now turn to maintaining their position in the league and pushing for a higher finish, especially with key players like Alonzo Engwanda stepping up in the absence of the injured Zidane Iqbal. Engwanda has made a significant impact, proving his worth in the midfield and contributing to the team’s solid performance.
Looking ahead, the team is optimistic about the future, with plans already in motion to secure their star players for the next season. Goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas expressed his excitement about remaining with the club, stating, "I want to be part of something great here at FC Utrecht. The ambition is clear, and I’m glad to be a part of it."
As the Eredivisie season approaches its climax, FC Utrecht fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters, hoping their team can continue to build on this successful outing against FC Groningen.
