AZ already has one leg in the main tournament of the Conference League with a big win over the Portuguese Gil Vicente. In Alkmaar, AZ waltzed over its Portuguese opponent in the final phase: 4-0.
It was initially difficult for AZ to find a gap in the close defense of Gil Vicente, who withdrew in Alkmaar and mainly wanted to keep the damage limited. But the Alkmaarders managed to take the lead fairly quickly. The spectacular left back Milos Kerkez found Dani de Wit in the first half via a measured cross.
The hard header was too powerful for Gil Vicente keeper Andrew. In any case, both AZ players have started the season energetically. De Wit already scored in five of the first six games of the season, while Kerkez was good for the winning goal against Sparta last Sunday.
The 24 supporters from Portugal who traveled to Alkmaar on Thursday evening and watched their heroes in the stadium, were not suddenly treated to an attacking team that wanted to make up for the deficit as quickly as possible. Pushed back by AZ, stopping goals was the main task of the team from Northern Portugal, which had finished fifth in the league last season, behind the traditional superpowers of the country.
Flame in the pan
AZ had resolved not to be tempted by the opponent from the country that so often makes it difficult for the Netherlands in knockout matches at the cutting edge. But just before half-time, the flames hit and Sam Beukema and Milos Kerkez received a yellow card for a disturbance and a firm tackle. That was it for the otherwise toothless Portuguese who had nothing more to contribute, especially in the second half.
AZ, which still had to do without Jesper Karlsson on Thursday evening and now also without the newly recruited Riechedly Bazoer, failed to decide the game earlier in the second half. A bet by Tijjani Reijnders was taken off the line. A hefty blunder by Gil Vicente keeper Andrew was not punished by Vangelis Pavlidis, after which substitute Mayckel Lahdo, still striker Pavlidis and Mees de Wit made the starting position even better.
AZ should be able to easily get the job done in Portugal next Thursday without much effort. There it appears fully equipped at the kick-off because the Eredivisie match against NEC has been moved especially for the game. Gil Vicente will finish another game on Monday.
Read the live blog of the match below.
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