The first eight teams in the group stage of the Europa League go directly to the eighth finals. Numbers 9 to 24 still have to complete an interim round. At the moment AZ is in 14th place and there is a small chance of avoiding that round. Teams such as Anderlecht, Steaua Bucharest, Galatasaray and FK Bodø/Glimt have to lose.
Mexx Meerdink
Trainer Maarten Martens cannot rely on Ruben van Bommel and Ibrahim Sadiq against Ferencváros. In the Hungarian capital, the Belgian trainer announced that it is not yet certain whether Mexx Meerdin will take action tomorrow night. Last Sunday the striker made the only Alkmaarse goal in the lost home game against Sparta (2-1).