FC Utrecht 2-1 RCD Espanyol: Ruiter heroics send FC Utrecht through to the last 16

Match Report

FC Utrecht have reached the last 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League after beating RCD Espanyol 2-1 on aggregate.

The Dutch side lost the first leg 1-0 in Spain, but they turned the tie around in the second leg at the Stadion Galgenwaard.

Jens Toornstra gave Utrecht the lead in the 10th minute, but Espanyol equalised through Joselu in the 20th minute.

The match went to extra time, and Utrecht won it in the 115th minute through a goal from Sander van de Streek.

Utrecht manager Henk Fraser was delighted with his team's performance.

"It was a great performance from the team," he said. "We knew it would be a tough game, but we showed great character and determination.

"We are now in the last 16, and we are looking forward to the next round."

Espanyol manager Diego Martinez was disappointed with the result, but he praised his team's effort.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we can hold our heads high," he said. "We played well, but we made a few mistakes that cost us the game.

"We will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger next season."

Utrecht had 11 shots on target, compared to Espanyol's 6.
Espanyol had 57% possession, compared to Utrecht's 43%.
Utrecht goalkeeper Maarten Paes made 4 saves, while Espanyol goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte made 3.

FC Utrecht's victory over RCD Espanyol was a famous one for the Dutch side.

They showed great character and determination to overturn the first leg deficit, and they will now be confident of going far in the competition.