The 2000-01 campaign delivered a memorable year for FC Utrecht as Domstedelingen secured an impressive 5th-place finish in the Eredivisie, crucially earning a coveted spot in the UEFA Cup, their first European qualification in a decade. Leading the charge was the prolific striker Igor Gluščević, whose 19 goals anchored the attack, in a season built on renewed ambition under manager Frans Adelaar and featuring the emerging talent of a young Dirk Kuijt.