Utrecht gained a crucial point in their bid for survival as they held AZ Alkmaar to a 1-1 draw at the AFAS Stadion.
- By Michael Bell
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After dominating the early exchanges AZ Alkmaar took the lead just after the 20 minute mark with striker Aron Johannsson beating Robbin Ruiter with a stooping header at the front post.
Steve de Ridder nearly equalised a minute later but after being played through on the right hand side, the forward saw his effort palmed away by Alvarado.
Ten minutes into the second half Utrecht were awarded a free kick just outside the box, which Jens Toornstra curled into the top corner to make it 1-1.
Utrecht’s Juan Agudelo then had an excellent chance to make it 2-1, but after rounding Alvardo the striker lost his footing, and the ball trickled to safety. Toornstra also came close for the visitors to finding a winner, but he curled another free kick just wide.
AZ pushed forward in the last moments but failed to trouble Ruiter and the match finished 1-1. AZ remain 7th, while the point sees Utrecht now two points ahead of the relegation zone.
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