FC Utrecht kicked off its training camp in De Lutte with a 0-1 friendly loss to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, a match that coach Anthony Correia described as a valuable test.

How did the friendly unfold?

The game on the small, dry pitch of amateur club Bon Boys in Haaksbergen offered little excitement in the first half. Both sides created few chances; the only clear opportunity came from Utrecht striker Stepanov, whose shot was blocked. In the second half Apollon scored from a rebound and held the lead until the final whistle. The final score was 0-1.

Which injuries occurred?

During the clash left‑winger Alarcon suffered a hamstring strain and centre‑back Van den Berg sustained a head injury. Both were substituted immediately, and the seriousness of the injuries was evident right away. The club will await medical reports before deciding on further action.

What does Correia say about the opponent?

"This team plays in the Conference League. They were stronger than the previous two opponents (De Graafschap, PEC Zwolle)," Correia explained. He stressed that Apollon is further along in its preparation and that the match provided a good test for his own squad. "They are also further in preparation. It was a nice strength test," he added.

How does this fit the broader season picture?

Utrecht currently sits 6th in the Eredivisie with 53 points (15W‑8D‑11L) and a recent form of WWWLW. The team has scored 55 goals and conceded 42 this season (+13). They are 31 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. The last official result was a 0-0 draw with Ajax on 2026‑05‑24, keeping them unbeaten in their last five games (DDWWW). These figures show a club in a stable phase but still eager for European opportunities.

What comes next?

At the end of the camp Correia has another closed‑door friendly planned, where he wants to see how midfielder Iqbal, who recently returned from his World Cup stint with Iraq, performs. "I want him to play on Saturday," the coach said. Additionally, the club must monitor the injury situation of Alarcon and Van den Berg before the competitive season resumes.