FC Utrecht won the first leg against Sheriff Tiraspol in the second qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday. The Domstedelingen were too strong for the Moldovan leader thanks to two beautiful volleys with 1-3.
FC Utrecht fell behind halfway through the first half due to a goal from Peter Ademo. The Nigerian shot after a throw-in was headed on.
Victor Jensen brought FC Utrecht level nine minutes later. The Dane volleyed hard in stride from a corner by Souffian El Karouani. Shortly after the break, Nick Viergever made it 1-2. The defender also scored with a beautiful volley from a corner by El Karouani.
Adrian Blake extended FC Utrecht’s lead twenty minutes before time. The English midfielder slalommed through three Sheriff defenders and shot into the right corner. No more goals were scored in Moldova.
The return match between FC Utrecht and Sheriff Tiraspol will be played next Thursday in De Galgenwaard. The winner of the double match will play against Viktoria Plzen from the Czech Republic or Servette FC from Switzerland. The loser will meet Anderlecht or the Swedish BK Häcken.