In the last friendly match before the double confrontation against Tuzla City (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the Conference League, AZ did not convince. The duel with KVC Westerlo was narrowly won by a late goal by substitute Hakon Evjen: 0-1.
At AZ, Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi returned to the base, while Vangelis Pavlidis (illness), Jesper Karlsson and Yukinari Sugawara (both injured) were missing. Westerlo acted as the last sparring partner for the real test against Tuzla City.
The Alkmaarders got the first chance of the game after a through pass from Sam Beukema to Myron van Brederode, but the attacker was unable to control the ball. In the counterpunch the Belgians became dangerous, Martins Indi was sharp and threw his body in front of the ball. From the corner that followed, Pietro Perdichizzi headed straight for Hobie Verhulst. The goalkeeper was able to stop the ball.
Watch Hakon Evjen’s winning goal below. Text continues below tweet:
Reijnders present
In the second half, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders created the most danger. He was able to hit from just outside the box, but Sinan Bolat stopped the ball. Reijnders then got into position twice more, without success.
The best shot came from Myron van Brederode, who forced Bolat to a feline rescue. In the end it were two substitutes who gave AZ the victory. On a pass from Mayckel Lahdo, Hakon Evjen pushed the ball under Bolat. With that, the fourth game in the preparation was won.
Previously, AZ van PEC Zwolle (3-1), had played 2-2 against PAOK Saloniki and lost to Olympiakos Piraeus (1-0). Thursday is the kick-off at 20.30 in Alkmaar against Tuzla City.
AZ setup: concealed; Witry (De Jong/83), Beukema (Dekker/78), Martins Indi (Hatzidiakos/46), Kerkez (M. De Wit/46); Reijnders, Clasie (Midtsjø/46), D. De Wit; Odgaard (Lahdo/46), Barasi (Koopmeiners/65), Van Brederode (Evjen/74).