FC Utrecht have won a place in the last 16 of the KNVB Cup. The cup fighters from the Dom City were too strong for FC Groningen in the Galgenwaard. The only goal of the evening was scored by Nacer Barazite in injury time.

Everything fel into place in injury time. A fantastic corner by Yassin Ayoub, a superb header by Barazite. Goalkeeper Sergio Padt got his fingers to the ball but could not stop the 1-0. It was the goal that put Utrecht through to the next round

Deserved victory
The team from the Dom City danced out of the second round and into the third. And it deserved the victory. Utrecht dominated the game from start to finish, pressed Groningen deep into their own half virtually the entire game and had many chances.

Often close
Utrecht often came close to scoring. Balls were cleared off the line. Padt was helped by the post after good work by Sébastien Haller and many more Utrecht attacks floundered near the Groningen goal. 

Extra time
Utrecht struck just as most of the crowd were coming to terms with extra time. The fitter and more attractive team rewarded itself with a ticket for the last 16 and it was no more than they deserved. After beating a worthy opponent in the first round (FC Twente were brushed aside 3-1 in Enschede) Utrecht beat another daunting opponent on the way to the final.

Long breath
Utrecht again proved against the Pride of the North that it had the longest breath. Four days before, Willem II had been on the end of one-way traffic until Haller got the wining goal in Tilburg (1-0).

Draw tomorrow
The draw for the last 16 of the KNVB Cup wil be held tomorrow (Thursday). Utrecht’s next opponents will be announced after the final second-round matches are played. Last year the team made it all the way to the final.

This sunday: FC Utrecht - NEC
This Sunday Utrecht will be facing NEC in the Galgenwaard. The match begins at 14.30. Tickets are available via the INTERNET, in the FC Utrecht Fan Shop and on match day from 12.30 at the ground.

FC Utrecht - FC Groningen 1-0 (0-0)
90+2. Nacer Barazite 1-0

Yellow cards: Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht), Simon Tibbling, Bryan Linssen and Mimoun Mahi (all FC Groningen).

Attendance: 16,377.

Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük.

FC Utrecht line-up:
Robbin Ruiter; Giovanni Troupée, Ramon Leeuwin, Willem Janssen, Robin van der Meer; Rico Strieder, Sofyan Amrabat, Yassin Ayoub, Nacer Barazite; Richairo Zivkovic, Sébastien Haller.

FC Groningen line-up:
Sergio Padt; Hans Hateboer, Kasper Larsen, Samir Memisevic, Yoell van Nieff; Tom Hiariej, Ruben Jenssen, Simon Tibbling (60. Mimoun Mahi); Bryan Linssen (71. Danny Hoesen), Tom van Weert, Albert Rusnák.