Seven-fold against Dundee United brings AZ to the Conference League play-offs

AZ started the game with a 1-0 deficit and was immediately aware of this. The Alkmaarders immediately looked for the attack and that quickly resulted in opportunities for Vangelis Pavlidis and Hakon Evjen. In contrast to the game in Scotland, AZ was much more dominant and quickly took the sting out of Dundee United, which is especially strong with long balls. AZ’s greatest danger came from Evjen’s foot, who was close to a goal in the 20th minute with a shot into the short corner.

We had to wait for the opening goal and it came via Vangelis Pavlivis. The Greek striker was the final destination after a nice attack via Tijjani Reijnders and Milos Kerkez over the left: 1-0. Dundee suddenly had to attack again and reported with crosses from the side. Where Hobie Verhulst had a quiet evening until then, he distinguished himself with a world rescue on the bicycle kick of Dylan Levitt.

Ripe apples

The moment Dundee insisted, Tijjani Reijnders on the other side shot the 2-0 against the ropes with a long shot into the corner. Ten minutes before half-time, AZ was completely on roses. After a miss by goalkeeper Mark Birighitti, Pavlidis headed in from a corner: 3-0.

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Even before halftime, AZ made the fourth of the evening and Reijnders his second. A long-lasting attack was eventually worked in by the midfielder after Evjen was put back. The right winger was the most present man and crowned his strong performance before half-time with a nice goal with a shot from distance: 5-0.

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Even after the break, AZ cheerfully continued to score goals. Shortly after the second half had started, Dani de Wit scored again. A large part of the Dundee fans believed it and sought the exit of the stadium. The score gave AZ coach Jansen the opportunity to switch and give players like Myron van Brederode and Milos Kerkez some rest. Mayckel Lahdo and Mees de Wit came in and Lahdo graced his sub with a goal: 7-0. In extra time, Lahdo got his second to his foot, but he hit the post.

Conference League

Thanks to the win, AZ qualifies for the play-offs of the Conference League. In it, it meets Gil Vicente from Portugal who was too strong for FC Riga from Estonia. Next Thursday, August 18, AZ will play at home against Gil Vicente. The league match against Sparta Rotterdam will follow on Sunday at 4.45 pm.

AZ setup: concealed; Hatzidiakos (Witry/61), Beukema, Martins Indi, Kerkez (M. De Wit/61); Reijnders, Clasie (Bazoer/76), D. De Wit (Barasi/76); Evjen, Pavlidis, Van Brederode (Lahdo/61)