AZ failed to qualify for the final of the Conference League. The Alkmaarders lost 1-0 to West Ham United in Alkmaar after a goal in injury time.
Coach Pascal Jansen made a number of changes in the line-up. Myron van Brederode was forced to replace the injured Jens Odgaard (toe). Jesper Karlsson and Milos Kerkez covered the left flank of the Alkmaarders. Where it was hoped in advance for an Anderlecht scenario, it was significantly more difficult in the opening phase against West Ham United, because a whirlwind failed to materialize.
However, Karlsson’s contribution was immediately clearly visible with his threat and actions on the left. On the other hand, it was also careful, because a goal against could be disastrous after the 2-1 loss a week earlier. Jarrod Bowen had the first serious chance after 18 minutes, but his swipe went a meter wide of Mathew Ryan’s goal.
Against the post
AZ, on the other hand, patiently looked for an opportunity, but the greatest opportunity was a sweeping shot by Lucas Paquetá. The midfielder saw his attempt from outside the box hit the outside of the post. AZ only had its first serious opportunity five minutes before the break. Yukinari Sugawara shot at a West Ham defender after putting back Sven Mijnans.
After the break, AZ started much better and immediately forced chances. Mijnans was close with his right, but the shot had a little too little power, so keeper Alphonse Areola was able to clamp the ball. On the other hand, Ryan had to save a vicious shot from Declan Rice. The home team, supported by a sold-out house, was the better party and was increasingly looking for the lead.
Lid on the nose
Opportunism at AZ increased more and more. That was clearly visible when Pantelis Hatzidiakos intercepted a ball in his own half, went forward and volleyed the ball towards the corner from a Karlsson cross, West Ham then had the perfect opportunity to end the game. Hatzidiakos lost the ball in the back, but the English let the error go unpunished. AZ was almost helped by Thilo Kehrer who almost worked a cross behind his own goalkeeper. In the extra time of the match, AZ still got the lid on the nose. Pablo Fornals hit the mark after it was completely open at AZ: 1-0.
Setup AZ: Ryan; Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez (M. De Wit/84), Clasie, Reijnders, Mijnans (D. De Wit/70); Van Brederode (Lahdo/80), Pavlidis, Karlsson (Meerdink/84)