Vitesse kept the hope of a long European adventure alive on Thursday with a draw at the Romanian FC Petrolul Ploiesti (1-1), a result that, with a view to next week's return in the Gelredome, offers the prospect of a ticket for the final preliminary round of the Europa League.
The result gave more reason for optimism than Vitesse's game in the industrial city at the foot of the southern Carpathians. Vitesse could not sufficiently camouflage the fact that without the departed top scorer Wilfried Bony and Marco van Ginkel, it is no shadow of the team that fought for the national title last season.
Petrolul, the number 3 of the previous season in Romania, had the most possession before half time and initially also caused the most danger. A questionable decision by Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro ultimately put Vitesse in a good starting position.
He whistled for a penalty after 51 minutes after Jonathan Reis had dived to the ground when he received a push in the back from Alexandru Benga. The Brazilian made no mistake from 11 meters, much to the anger of the fanatic fans in the atmospheric Ilie Oana stadium. They apparently also realized that many referees had opted for a goal kick.
Vitesse seemed to be on its way to a lucky victory, until Alexandru Grozav scored the equalizer (1-1) through the body of Frank van der Struijk in the 84th minute. Valeria Kazaishvili should have already decided the game for Vitesse. He failed to reward his team very generously for a mediocre performance.
Peter Bosz experienced his first official game on the bench at the ambitious club from Arnhem. He made a name for himself at Heracles Almelo in previous seasons as a supporter of attractive and attacking football. In that respect, a challenge awaits him at his new employer. Vitesse acted dull and hesitant, especially before half time, and was unable to take sufficient advantage of the lead, which was easily obtained.
