The 20-year-old defender was in the starting lineup for the second consecutive time. Wouter Goes was missing from the back due to a suspension. Van Duijl, like the rest of the team, played excellently. “We felt we would win this match. Our goal was to continue in Europe.”
Ugly slip
Last week, AZ made an unexpectedly ugly slip in the first leg by losing 1-0. The damage was repaired in Alkmaar without any problems. That caused cheer among the supporters in the very moderately filled stands. Van Duijl: “If your game shows what people like to watch, the supporters feel the energy and you get them involved. That makes you run faster as a player.”
In particular, the presence of Sven Mijnans and Kees Smit gave AZ the momentum the team needed. Both midfielders were out for some time due to injuries, but returned to the starting line-up against FC Noah. Although coach Leeroy Echteld knew in advance that they could not play a full match.
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