Simple victory over Tuzla City brings AZ to the third preliminary round of the Conference League

The game was played in Sarajevo, because the stadium of Tuzla City does not comply with UEFA rules. As a result, the Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo was the setting for the return. Exactly 41 AZ supporters who traveled along saw the Alkmaarders dominate in the opening phase. The biggest chance came from the foot of Tijjani Reijnders, who got the keeper into serious trouble with a long shot.

Conflict

Tuzla City came out of its shell a bit more halfway through the first half. That led to a header opportunity from Smajlagić and then the Bosnians, who again put physical play on the mat, claimed a penalty after an alleged handball by Sam Beukema. The team of coach Pascal Jansen seemed shaken up and took action with attempts by Mikos Kerkez and a great chance for Vangelis Pavlidis, who was then flagged for offside.

Ten minutes before half-time there was another acceleration at AZ. This was followed by a pass from Jens Odgaard and after a miss by Hakon Evjen, Dani de Wit headed in the opening goal: 0-1. That tempted Tuzla City to look more for the attack, after which Hobie Verhulst intervened well on a dangerous cross from the right.

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Extend

After the break, AZ had little to fear for Tuzla City, which was no longer involved offensively. The Alkmaarders were firmly in control and that led to a bigger lead. Vangelis Pavlidis was in just the right place to work in a hard low cross from Dani de Wit.

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A few minutes later, substitute Mayckel Lahdo crowned his official debut for AZ with a goal. The Swedish winger worked in a pass from Pavlidis: 0-3.

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The large lead gave Jansen the opportunity to switch. With talents Yusuf Barasi and Fedde de Jong within the lines, the Alkmaarders continued cheerfully. The latter tapped in a measured cross from Kerkez and signed for the 0-4.

AZ will play the first game in the third preliminary round of the Conference League next Thursday. The Alkmaarders will then visit Dundee United from Scotland. To get through to the group stage of the third European tournament, AZ must survive two more preliminary rounds.

AZ setup: concealed; Hatzidiakos (Witry/62), Beukema, Martins Indi, Kerkez; Reijnders (Midtsjö/62), Clasie, D. De Wit (F. De Jong/76); Evjen, Pavlidis (Barasi/76), Odgaard (Lahdo/58)