AZ was able to prevent a disgrace on their own field against FC Vaduz. The Alkmaarders won the second group match in the Conference League with 4-1. A goal by Sam Beukema in the 81st minute led to the victory against an opponent from Liechtenstein who had been reduced to a dozen after an hour. Yukinari Sugawara and Dani de Wit still ensured an acceptable result.
AZ took the lead in the nineteenth minute. Yusuf Barasi, for the first time in the starting lineup, saw his shot through the leg of the German Gabriel Isik over goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel disappear into the goal. Trainer Pascal Jansen had joined the young attacker due to the loss of the injured Norwegian Hakon Evjen. It was a predictable start to a duel that normally had to be a formality for the Alkmaarders.
The equalizing goal, two minutes later, was not expected. On a pass from Tunahan Cicek, Frenchman Anthony Goelzer hit the far corner past goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst. AZ seemed stunned and barely created any chances until the break. Only Tijjani Reijnders was close 10 minutes before the break, but Büchel stood in the way.
Exciting final phase
A breakdown seemed imminent against the club from the capital of Liechtenstein, which is participating for the first time in the group stage of the Conference League. FC Vaduz plays at the second level of Switzerland, where it is penultimate after eight matches.
The decline of the visitors only started when goalkeeper Büchel had to leave after more than an hour with a red card. The Liechtenstein international had knocked out the breakthrough Jens Odgaard outside the penalty area. Gion Chande took his place in goal. The efforts of Tijjani Reijnders could not alarm him yet.
Goals injury time
AZ insisted. The Swede Mayckel Lahdo replaced Barasi. Chande parried a bet from Odgaard twice. In the 81st minute it was hit. Beukema passed Chande with a header from a cross by substitute Milos Kerkez. Sugawara and Dani de Wit scored their goals in extra time.
AZ leads with 6 points from two matches in group E. The next group match is on 6 October. In Alkmaar, AZ then plays against the Cypriot Apollon Limassol.