AZ had a hard time against PSV in the final phase, but still returns to Alkmaar with three points. Vangelis Pavlidis scored the only goal in the top match. As a result, it became 0-1 and the Alkmaarders continue to follow in the footsteps of the leaders.
Knowing that Ajax had lost expensive points on a visit to FC Emmen, AZ started the top match with leader PSV. Trainer Pascal Jansen changed his team in a number of places. The most notable change was that Maxim Dekker was missing from the heart of the defense and was replaced by Pantelis Hatziakos. As a result, Yukinari Sugawara started as right-back.
Marker Pavlidis
It was also striking that AZ dared to put very high pressure. With that, it did not so much force opportunities, but it did manage to keep the Eindhoven players far away from their own goal. After just under twenty minutes of play, AZ brutally took the lead. Former FC Volendam player Joey Veerman dramatically returned the ball to Jesper Karlsson’s feet. He put Vangelis Pavlidis away at the right time and the Greek striker rounded off nicely with a marker over keeper Walter Benitez: 1-0.
Watch Pavlidis’ goal below. Text continues below the tweet
PSV insists
The match was then balanced with chances for PSV via Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo, who both go to the World Cup. Jens Odgaard shot the ball hard into the side net on behalf of AZ, but the Alkmaarders had to be especially grateful to Sam Beukema. The central defender took a ball from Philipp Max, who put the ball over Hobie Verhulst, from the line. Ten minutes before the break, AZ could breathe a sigh of relief again, as Érick Gutiérrez headed the ball against the post. On the stroke of half-time, Tijjani Reijnders had the chance to double the score, but the midfielder found the bar with his shot.
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Offside goal
PSV looked provoked after the break and knocked quite a bit at the door. Cody Gakpo seemed to bring the Eindhoven team alongside with a good header, but was offside by a shoe length. The Alkmaarders could have taken advantage several times, but were unable to convert the threat into opportunities that were played out.
AZ held out for a long time, but fifteen minutes before the end, the team of coach Ruud van Nistelrooij had launched the final offensive. For example, Noni Madueke released himself well and came through dangerously. He shot the ball hard through Verhulst on the post. It remained unusually exciting until the end, but AZ held on.
Due to the victory, AZ has one point less than leader Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV. The team from Rotterdam can benefit tomorrow if they beat Excelsior. The Alkmaarders will play at home against Vitesse after the World Cup stop.
AZ setup: concealed; Sugawara, Hatzidiakos, Beukema, Kerkez; Clasie, Reijnders, D. De Wit; Odgaard, Pavlidis (Lahdo/87), Karlsson (M. De Wit/80)