AZ has kept its undefeated status intact this season with a hard-fought win over Apollon Limassol in the Conference League. The leader of the Eredivisie recorded a 3-2 victory at home over the number 3 of Cyprus.
AZ coach Pascal Jansen could again count on Jens Odgaard and Dani de Wit who had recovered from illness against Limassol, who had been injured during the 4-1 victory at FC Groningen. The Dane was the only change in the starting lineup compared to Saturday. He replaced the recently returned Jesper Karlsson in the striker.
Before the start, Jansen was clear why he stuck to his regular team. “We want to make a nice step in the group, stay group head and play a good game,” he told ESPN. After fifteen minutes, his team seemed well on their way to tick off all the goals. Odgaard repaid Jansen’s confidence with the opening goal, after his bet flew in through a Cypriot leg.
Start over
Within three minutes, however, AZ had to start again. Limassol striker Ezekiel Henty fooled his opponent and offered Patrick Joosten, the Dutch midfielder of the visitors, an unmissable opportunity. Ioannis Pittas then had a good opportunity to put Limassol ahead, but his shot was just blocked.
AZ was unable to create much more after the equalizer and needed a penalty after an hour to take the lead again. De Wit was placed in the penalty area and then took advantage of the opportunity himself.
Joy
Once again the joy proved short-lived, after the outlaw Euclides Cabral found the top corner with a hard shot. Karlsson, however, still brought joy to the Alkmaarders. Five minutes before the end, the substitute beautifully headed a cross from Milos Kerkez into the corner.
The other match in the group between Dnipro-1 and FC Vaduz ended in 2-2. AZ leads with 9 points from three matches, Dnipro-1 follows with 4 points. Limassol is last with 1 point.
Next week the Alkmaarders will travel to Cyprus for the away game against Limassol.