AZ leaves the lead in the Eredivisie after a crazy match against FC Utrecht

Both teams had chances in the early stages. First it was Utrecht striker Tasos Douvikas with a nice shot. Then Jesper Karlsson became dangerous on behalf of the home team. FC Utrecht was lord and master in the early stages of the match. That predominance resulted in a goal from Douvikas in the twelfth minute. After an unfortunate action by Pantelis Hatzidiakos, the Utrecht striker was able to tap in.

Back in business

The FC Utrecht storm did not die down yet, because a few minutes later Douvikas scored his second of the evening. In the lively initial phase, AZ fought back into the game. In the twentieth minute, Maxim Dekker made the connection goal for the Alkmaarders. AZ quickly put things in order. After an error by Jens Toornstra, Vangelis Pavlidis equalized. AZ continued and in the 34th minute it was Pavlidis with the 3-2. After a nice assumption, the Greek managed to score.

In the crazy first half, the game kept going up and down. Nick Viergever made it 3-3 for FC Utrecht and that was also the halftime score.

Shortly in the second half, AZ seemed to fall behind, but Douvikas’ goal was rejected due to offside. In the remainder of the match, AZ increased the pressure, but it was still FC Utrecht that took the lead. It was Douvikas with his third of the evening.

Goal fest

The game kept going in all directions. With twenty minutes left on the clock, substitute Mees de Wit shot AZ 4-4. AZ got away well when Mike van der Hoorn headed on the post. In the 78th minute, Pavlidis seemed to decide the game with his third of the evening, but Sander van de Streek headed the 5-5 goal two minutes later.

Both teams had chances in extra time, but no more goals were scored.

Setup AZ: Ryan; Sugawara, Hatzidiakos, Dekker (Vanheusden/44), Kerkez (M.de Wit/60); Clasie, Reijnders, Mihailovic (Barasi/60); Odgaard (Van Brederode/89), Pavlidis, Karlsson