FC Utrecht lost 3-1 to Steaua in its fourth group match in the Europa League in Bucharest, which greatly reduced the chances of wintering.
A fiery shot from Romeo Surdu forced Michel Vorm to make a nice save in the first minute. However, Utrecht was neither impressed by that bang nor by the fireworks thrown onto the field afterwards.
When the smoke cleared, the Utrecht residents sometimes attacked brutally. Still, Steaua made it 1-0 after almost half an hour, albeit with some luck. Vorm stopped Florin Gardos' header, but ended up with the ball just behind the line. Four minutes later it was level again with a beautiful free kick from Dries Mertens.
Double hit Stancu
The beginning of the second half offered perspective for Utrecht, which immediately took the initiative and was close to success with efforts from Frank Demouge and Jan Wuytens. However, it then had to deal with two blows handed out by Bogdan Stancu in the space of a few minutes.
In both cases, the attacker punished the Utrecht team's poor defense from close range. With his second goal he did so on the edge of offside.
Utrecht did not give in yet, but the fighting spirit shown did not lead to many opportunities. The best was for Mertens, who appeared in front of goalkeeper Ciprian Anton Tatarusanu after a combination with Demouge, but he was not outwitted by the Belgian. On the other hand, Steaua was denied a penalty after a clumsy action by Alje Schut.
Stupid goals
Goalkeeper Vorm played an unfortunate match for FC Utrecht. The Oranje reserve goalkeeper did not look good with both the home team's first and second goals. "We conceded stupid goals," he said guiltily.
"We played good football before half time," Vorm said from his goal. "But unfortunately we were unable to maintain that level. Internationally, mistakes are quickly punished. This match has shown that."
Trainer Ton du Chatinier spoke of an open match. "At half-time I certainly had the feeling that there was more in it for us. But we fell behind 2-1 far too quickly and unnecessarily. If it became 3-1 shortly afterwards, you know that the match has run."
Hat-trick Gerrard for Liverpool
Liverpool, leaders in Group K, beat Napoli 3-1 at home. Steven Gerrard started on the bench, but after the break became the big man for the home team. In the last fifteen minutes, the midfielder scored a crystal-clear hat-trick. Two weeks ago, neither team scored in Italy.
Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi opened the scoring for the guests in the 28th minute. Substitute Gerrard equalized fifteen minutes before the end after a poor back pass and helped his team take the lead from the spot in the 88th minute. A minute later it happened again. Dirk Kuijt and Ryan Babel were missing at Liverpool.
With eight points, Liverpool now firmly holds the top position in the group. Steaua Bucharest climbed to second place with five points. Napoli and FC Utrecht, who will meet each other in the Galgenwaard in three weeks, remained on three points.
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