AZ almost certainly qualified for the intermediate round of the Europa League on Thursday evening. The current number six of the Eredivisie defeated the Italian club AS Roma in his own stadium in the final phase: 1-0. Substitute Troy Parrott from AZ scored the only goal of the match in the eightieth minute.
With eleven points from seven matches, AZ can only theoretically fall outside the top 24 of the Europa League. The Alkmaarders will probably be officially assured of a European sequel later on Thursday, when the 9 p.m. matches have been played. If that is not the case, AZ can secure qualification next Thursday in the away match against Hungarian Ferencváros.
Penalties for FC Twente
In the meantime, FC Twente also remains likely to continue in the Europa League. The team of coach Joseph Oosting achieved the necessary victory at the Swedish Malmö FF on Thursday, at the same time as the FC Twente match: the score was 2-3. Next week, after the home match against the Turkish Besiktas, it will be clear whether the Tukkers have qualified for the intermediate round.
FC Twente received two easily awarded penalties in Malmö. In the first half, Sem Steijn made it 0-1, after which Lasse Berg Johnsen brought the Swedish home team back to the level. After an hour, a second penalty was used by Ricky van Wolfswinkel, followed not much later by a goal from defender Gustaf Lagerbielke. Substitute Anders Christiansen scored for Malmö, but FC Twente did not let it happen.
(AP)