Welcome to our live blog. In this we will keep you fully informed of the competition between AZ and Levski Sofia. The Alkmaarders can qualify for the main tournament of the Conference League. Tips or questions? Mail to [email protected].
Live: AZ-Levski Sofia 3-1 (5-1)
The competition has ended up in very quiet waters. The supporters of Levski are still celebrating a party in the stands. That can be praised.
After only 57 seconds, the ball is in it, but this time in the wrong goal. Everton Bala outlines Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro and puts Levski Sofia on the scoreboard.
AZ changes at the start of the second half. Jordy Clasie stays behind and Dave Kwakman is his replacement.
And it is also immediately peace in Alkmaar. AZ on roses after the first half.
AZ makes the third goal on the stroke of half -time. Ibrahim Sadiq ticks easily inside from close by after a hard low cross. Also in the branch of Levski Sofia, the goal is cheerfully executed.
The audience springs up, because Mexx Meerdink’s shot seems to go. The striker gets out of the sixteen from outside and sees his efforts just along the crossing Sailing.
Some fewer opportunities in this phase of the competition. Levski Sofia gets a little more room to play football. AZ tries it from a distance with a number of shots. Yet it is a great game to watch.
After a smooth combination, Everton Bala shoots from a distance. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro takes the ball clamping.
AZ is looking forward to it! Mexx Meerdink shoots the second goal against the ropes after five minutes. The striker comes well for his husband at the first post and shoots convincingly.
The first chance is immediately hit! Ibrahim Sadiq heads out of the rebound on a shot from Peer Koopmeiners.
AZ player Kees Smit started the game.
AZ is now unbeaten nine home games in a row in its own stadium. In this series, only Galatasaray (1-1) managed to take a point back to Istanbul. The last loss was almost two years ago against Aston Villa (1-4). Of the current basic formation, Penetra, Clasie and Sadiq were then also kicked off.
Just like AZ, Levski Sofia also did not play last weekend. The Bulgarian top club would compete against Botev Plovdiv, but this game has been postponed. Despite a match less, the European opponent of AZ is still very good. After five rounds, Levski Sofia takes second place with 13 points. Leader Ludogorets has that number, only they have a slightly better goal difference.
AZ won 2-0 against Levski Sofia in Bulgaria last week. AZ managed to stand up in an attractive stadium. Via Troy Parrott and Ibrahim Sadiq, the team of coach Maarten Martens laid a good foundation for the return.
For the first time in 17 years, six clubs can be active in a European main tournament. PSV, Ajax, Feyenoord, FC Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles are already certain of participation. AZ can join that tonight. The last time that six Dutch clubs reached the main tournament was in the 2008/09 season.
AZ plays against Levski Sofia at 7.30 p.m. The Alkmaarders defend a 2-0 lead and are assured of European football to the winter break when winning.