Vitesse have their first point in the Europa League group stages after a 1-1 draw with Zulte Waregem in Belgium.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
Vitesse went into the game without top scorer Tim Matavz, whose wife is expecting a baby, so Luc Castaignos started up front with Mason Mount making his first start for the club behind him.
The Dutch side had the best chance early on with Bryan Linssen’s cross nearly reaching Castaignos in the middle, but the Zulte Waregem goalkeeper got their first to prevent a certain goal.
In the 23rd minute, Zulte took the lead with Guram Kashia diverting a corner into his own net. However, the lead only lasted four minutes before Thomas Bruns fired in the equaliser after being found on the edge of the box by Linssen.
After the break, Vitesse had a lot of possession but struggled to create chances, while two penalty appeals were turned away by the referee.
The draw means Vitesse get their first point of the campaign but the chances of progression to the next round is now unlikely with Lazio and Nice still heavy favourites to progress. Lazio beat Nice 3-1 in the groups other game to take control of the group on nine points, while the French side have six.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
