Utrecht won Super Cup
A remarkable finish to the Dutch Super Cup enabled FC Utrecht to defeat AFC Ajax 4-2 thanks to three goals in the final four minutes at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Ajax advantage
Six goals looked an unlikely outcome after the first half had finished goalless with clear chances at a premium. However, Ajax midfield players Steven Pienaar opened the scoring six minutes into the second half, converting Tom Soetaers' pass although his shot was deflected beyond Utrecht goalkeeper Joost Terol.
Soetaers sent off
Ajax’s hopes suffered an immediate setback, however, as Soetaers was sent off for retaliation after an incident involving Jean-Paul de Jong a minute after Pienaar's goal.
Sneijder strikes
Utrecht drew level 17 minutes from time as Alje Schut headed in, but were then also reduced to ten men as Joost Broerse was dismissed for a second yellow card. Ajax took full advantage, substitute Wesley Sneijder almost immediately restoring their lead from Anthony Obodai's pass.
Somers joy
However, four minutes from time it was 2-2 as Utrecht's Belgian midfield player Hans Somers swept in a rebound before the same player put Foeke Booy's side in front for the first time in the final minute of normal time, beating Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg in the air before turning the ball over the line.
Cruyff presentation
Former Ajax player Darl Douglas then wrapped up the win, ensuring the Johan Cruyff plate – the name by which the Dutch Super Cup is commonly known – was presented to Utrecht by Cruyff himself.
'Deserved victory'
"This victory is deserved," said Booy, who will take charge of Utrecht for their UEFA Cup campaign. "We had more control of the match, and the better chances."
Source: Uefa.com
