AZ has zero points left in the first match of 2024. In Enschede, the Alkmaarders rightly lost to competitor FC Twente: 2-1. AZ did take the lead through Jens Odgaard. The Tukkers then determined the game and thanks to two goals from Manfred Ugalde, the points remained in the east of the country.
For the first time in the Premier League, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro stood under the Alkmaar goal cross. The 19-year-old goalkeeper had to take action early on when Sem Steijn shot a difficult shot. The replacement for Mathew Ryan, who is active on behalf of Australia in the Asian Cup, processed the Twente midfielder’s attempt excellently. After that, AZ also made itself heard and the Alkmaarders did so very efficiently. Jens Odgaard headed in a cross from Mayckel Lahdo.
Assistant Eiting
After taking the early lead, AZ mainly had to defend. The team of coach Pascal Jansen had difficulty playing football under the pressure from Twente and Owusu-Oduro performed well several times. The deserved equalizer came just before half time. Manfred Ugalde headed in the 1-1 from a cross from former Volendammer Carel Eiting. Shortly afterwards, David Møller Wolfe had a great opportunity to take the lead again. The attacking left back shot wildly over.
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AZ started the second half with the same eleven players. And that did not result in any changes, because the home team remained constantly threatening. The only positive thing was that FC Twente did not really get any big chances.
Ugalde again
Yet FC Twente took the lead twenty minutes before the end. Denso Kasius did not process a cross properly and that partly ensured that Ugalde was able to score his second of the evening: 2-1.
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In the meantime, Jansen brought in the necessary substitutions. And that did pose a bit more of a threat. Substitute Ruben van Bommel was given a great chance, but face to face with Twente keeper Lars Unnerstall, the young attacker failed.
Unfortunately that was it for AZ. And so a mediocre and creative AZ loses to an important competitor. Next week, the Alkmaar team will receive Quick Boys at home for the eighth final of the cup.
AZ setup: Owusu-Oduro; Kasius (Bazoer/78), Penetra, Martins Indi, Møller Wolfe (Dekker/59); Clasie, Odgaard (Meerdink/67), D. De Wit; Lahdo (Van Bommel/78), Pavlidis, Van Brederode (Addai/67)
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