AZ has suffered one of the most painful comebacks in Europe. The Alkmaarders enjoyed a comfortable 0-3 lead against Zrinjski Mostar at halftime. The team from Bosnia and Herzegovina showed itself to be extremely resilient and scored four goals after the break. As a result, coach Pascal Jansen’s team lost 4-3 in the first group match in the Conference League.
In the old stadium of Mostar, AZ started with the same eleven names as last weekend against Sparta Rotterdam. Once again Mayckel Lahdo was preferred on the wings. The in-form Swede was immediately the most dangerous man with actions on the side in the opening phase. The Alkmaarders dominated and within ten minutes Myron van Brederode gave his team the lead. He was able to finish bird-free from a cross from Lahdo: 0-1.
Comfortable lead
AZ had little to fear from the Bosnians, who were very weak in possession of the ball. The only danger before the break came from Marijo Cuze, who produced a weak header into the hands of Ryan. On the other side, Sven Mijnans doubled the lead: 0-2. The midfielder hit the target after Dani de Wit initially headed against goalkeeper Marko Maric. Before half time, De Wit still increased the margin to three. He was cleverly released, turned away from his opponent and scored the 0-3 for AZ.
However, the Alkmaarders had to concede a goal just after the break. Goalkeeper Ryan was surprised by a free kick from Zvonimir Kozulj: 1-3. The Zrinjski player turned a free kick from the side into the short corner. The Bosnians still did not get around to playing football and AZ again had opportunities to go further through Clasie, De Wit and Pavlidis. Pavlidis even hit the post. Halfway through the second half, Josip Corluka brought his team back into the game by scoring the tying goal. He walked in and saw his bet over Ryan end up in the intersection: 2-3.
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Although Zrinjski had little say, AZ suffered a very expensive equalizer. Aldin Hrvanovic received the ball after a running attack and shot from outside the box to make it 3-3. In the 81st minute it became even more insane, as the puny Zrinjski even took the lead. Kozulj tapped in after the ball came back from the post and the home team took a 4-3 lead.
AZ setup: Ryan; Sugawara, Bazoer, Penetra, Moller Wolfe; Clasie, Mijnans, D. De Wit; Lahdo (Sadiq/64), Pavlidis, Van Brederode (Van Bommel/64)