Just like last week in Heerenveen, AZ handed over the game in the final phase. In the first final of the play-offs, the Alkmaarders lost after a late goal by Loïs Openda: 2-1. Pascal Jansen’s team must therefore at least win on Sunday to play in Europe next year.
In a fairly closed opening phase in Arnhem, Vitesse and AZ both became dangerous from mistakes by the opponent. A pass by Sam Beukema that was too short brought Peter Vindahl into trouble and a miss by Vitesse right back Romaric Yapi led to a chance for Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Greek striker had the greatest chance on behalf of AZ in the twentieth minute, but he shot a well-thought-out ball against the crossbar. Tijjani Reijnders had come in just before that as a replacement for Fredrik Midtsjö, who suffered a hamstring injury.
Backlog
Shortly afterwards, the home team had their first chance. Loïs Openda was launched from the right side, then delivered a cross and Thomas Buitink shot the ball into the corner out of Vindahl’s reach: 1-0.
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Vitesse got the upper hand after the opening goal and AZ got no further than a roller from Pavlidis, which was an easy prey for Vitesse goalkeeper Jeroen Houwen. Vitesse put a physical and offensive game on the mat, while AZ lagged behind. On the stroke of half-time, Jesper Karlsson had the chance to equalize out of nowhere, but the Swede hit the post.
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AZ came out of the dressing room with much more opportunity, resulting in an open game. Tijjani Reijnders gave the go-ahead with a flaming long shot on which Houwen made a nice safe save. It was a hit from the ensuing corner. A deflected ball landed at the feet of Jordy Clasie who took him on the slipper in one go and put the 1-1 on the scoreboard.
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Vitesse was helped in the saddle in the final phase by Reijnders, who lost the ball carelessly in midfield. Then it was open and Bero appeared to be heading for Vindahl alone, but Pantelis Hatzidiakos recovered everything with a fine surgery.
Vitesse claimed the most victory. The Arnhem team therefore managed to score one more time. After a long attack, striker Openda shot the 2-1 into the corner from outside the box.
The return will be played in Alkmaar on Sunday. Kick-off is at 2:30 PM. The winner over two matches will receive a ticket for the second qualifying round of the Conference League.
AZ setup: Vindahl; Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Martins Indi, Kerkez (Witry/80); Clasie, Midtsjö (Reijnders/16), De Wit; Evjen (Aboukhlal/80), Pavlidis, Karlsson
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