The first-leg of the playoff final for a Europa League place took place on Friday with Vitesse holding Utrecht to a 1-1 draw.

In a repeat of last season’s playoff final, Utrecht and Vitesse went head to head once again for a place in the Europa League next season.

Utrecht went into the game without Riechedly Bazoer and Jean-Cristophe Bahebeck but the hosts began the game brightly. Cyriel Dessers went close to the opener before Sander van de Streek made it 1-0 in the 18th minute with a header from Gyrano Kerk’s cross.

It was nearly 2-0 shortly afterwards but Remko Pasveer just managed to keep out Rico Strieder’s effort from distance which took a deflection.

Vitesse barely threatened but in the 31st minute they were level in fortunate circumstances. Martin Odegaard’s corner was headed against Tim Matavz by Mohammed Dauda and the ball trickled past David Jensen.

Dessers had the ball in the net for Utrecht early in the second half but his strike was rightly disallowed for offside.

Neither side then went close to finding a winner before the end as both sides settled for a draw. The second leg takes place in Arnhem on Tuesday.




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