Mediocre AZ awaits spicy return after disappointing draw against SK Brann | Dutch football

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A moderately playing AZ was able to prevent a painful home defeat against SK Brann in the nick of time (1-1). In the second half, captain Pantelis Hatzidiakos made up for a deficit. The Alkmaarders must win next week in Norway to secure qualification for the group stage of the Conference League.

AZ fell in love with the Conference League last season when it reached the semi-finals of the tournament, but will have to start all over again this season. Against the Norwegian SK Brann, there was nothing to see on Thursday evening of the magic that brought the Alkmaarders past Lazio and Anderlecht, among others. The Norwegian number five certainly did not play defensively and proved difficult enough against the ‘new’ AZ.

Drain AZ

Only five players were also in the starting line-up when AZ played the semi-finals of the Conference League against West Ham United more than three months ago. And one of them is feared in Alkmaar that he will also take a step. The rumors surrounding Vangelis Pavlidis will continue in the coming week. Even though a sale of him, after the transfers of Milos Kerkez, Tijjani Reijnders, Sam Beukema and recently Jesper Karlsson, also seems really too much for transit house AZ. Not that Pavlidis – as can be seen against Brann – is in top form.

AZ’s game was so miserable in the first half that after half an hour the crowd started to whistle for another pass to keeper Mathew Ryan, used to the excellent attacking football of the last few seasons. And to Jesper Karlsson, the Swede who often got the audience on the couches with effective and useless heels.

Pantelis Hatzidiakos heads his team to a 1-1 draw against the Norwegian SK Brann in Alkmaar. © Pro Shots / Vincent de Vries

And then designer Jordy Clasie is also not there because of an injury. Without him, the entire AZ center line seems to be searching. The coordination between Djordje Mihailovic and Sven Mijnans turned out to be far from a happy one. Million purchase Mihailovic was substituted in the second half. He still cannot convince in Alkmaar.

Substitute Lahdo breaks it open

Pavlidis’ loss of possession led to striker Niklas Castro’s goal, which caused AZ to fear a very unpleasant ending to the evening. Bringing in Mayckel Lahdo turned out to be worth gold in the end. The Swedish winger brought the schwung that AZ so longed for and was immediately dangerous with several long shots. After Lahdo’s second shot, Hatzidiakos, who also departed, was alert enough to work in the rebound and prevent a defeat for AZ.

Next Thursday, AZ will play the return match in Norway. If the Alkmaarders win, they will reach the group stage of the Conference League.


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