Dutch club FC Utrecht suffered a significant 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in their domestic league on Sunday, highlighting their poor form ahead of a crucial Europa League fixture against Portugal’s FC Porto.
The crushing loss comes as Utrecht sits near the bottom of the Europa League standings, in 35th position with zero points after three matches. They are set to host FC Porto on November 6 in a critical fourth-round match.
Alkmaar established an early lead with two goals from Irish forward Troy Parrott in the 6th and 34th minutes. Sven Mijnans extended Alkmaar’s advantage to 3-0 in the 51st minute.
Parrott missed an opportunity for a hat trick from the penalty spot in the 59th minute. Utrecht’s Gjivai Zechiel scored in the 69th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
However, Mees de Wit sealed Alkmaar’s 4-1 victory with a goal in the 88th minute.
In the Dutch league, Utrecht currently holds the ninth position with 13 points. This places them just outside the qualification spots for UEFA competitions.
Alkmaar secured their third consecutive league win, moving to third place with 21 points. They trail league co-leaders Feyenoord and PSV, both on 25 points.
FC Porto, Utrecht’s upcoming opponent, is currently 15th in the Europa League league phase with six points from three matches. Sporting Braga, another Portuguese club, leads the competition’s group of leaders with a perfect nine points.