The quarter-final is the end point in the KNVB Cup for AZ. The team of coach Maarten Martens lost 2-0 to Feyenoord in De Kuip. The Alkmaarders lose to the Rotterdammers for the second time in three days.
The two teams faced each other for the second time in three days. Last Sunday, Feyenoord came out on top in the competition thanks to a striking effort by Mats Wieffer (0-1). In contrast to that match, a number of players returned to AZ. Mathew Ryan was the goalkeeper again, Yukinari Sugawara the right back and Ernest Poku replaced the suspended Vangelis Pavlidis at striker.
Just like last week, AZ showed up convincingly. Once again they played with their chests forward, but great opportunities were not forthcoming. It was Feyenoord that increasingly took control of the match at home. Former AZ player Calvin Stengs shot just over from outside the box, but after 20 minutes Feyenoord seemed to take the lead. Gernaut Trauner headed home from Paixao’s free kick, but the goal was disallowed after VAR intervention.
Feyenoord strikes
AZ had increasing difficulty in making the play, because the pressure from Feyenoord continued. Playing with two attackers didn’t help either. Just before the break, Ryan asserted himself with a good save on a deflected shot by Wieffer. A minute later he had to fail to respond to Lutsharel Geertruida’s header. AZ could not clear the ball at the back and the captain headed in the 1-0.
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Because AZ did not produce a single shot on target before the break, Martens was forced to intervene. He made three changes and made his team more attacking. The Alkmaarders started playing with three attackers and therefore grew in the second half.
Final offensive
AZ only really became dangerous from the moment Lequincio Zeefuik came into the line. He provided a lot of impetus offensively and created a great opportunity for Ruben van Bommel, who shot just wide. Ultimately, AZ had to concede the second goal. Bart Nieuwkoop was the finisher after a beautiful attack by Feyenoord, in which Paixao played a leading role: 2-0.
AZ will visit Almere City next Saturday. The kick-off in Flevoland is at 8 p.m. It is currently in fourth place in the Premier League with 35 points, which is as many as number five Ajax.
AZ setup: Ryan; Sugawara, Penetra (Van Brederode/46), Goes, Bazoer (Martins Indi/46), Moller Wolfe; Clasie, Mijnans (Belic/46), D. De Wit; Van Bommel, Poku (Zeefuik/71)