Immediately after half-time, AZ could cheer. Ibrahim Sadiq’s first attempt was saved by goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall. Van Bommel was in the right place for the rebound and scored: 1-1. It was only his fifth goal in the Premier League for AZ, but a very important one. Who else than Vangelis Pavlidis, his 28th of this season, provided the Alkmaar lead (2-1).
The Greek took full advantage of a slip by Alec van Hoorenbeeck and pushed the ball behind Unnerstall. Due to AZ’s narrow lead, it remained extremely exciting until the last moment. Five minutes were added and in that injury time no more goals were scored for either team. With the victory, AZ is in any case assured of the Europa League, but third place remains within reach (two points).
AZ’s victory means that the difference with FC Twente is only two points. The Alkmaarders will visit the Eagles next week. All matches will then be played at 2:30 PM.
AZ setup: Ryan, Sugawara, Bazoer (Dantas/75), Penetra, M. De Wit (Møller Wolfe/75); Belic (Dekker/75), Mijnans, D. The Wit; Sadiq (Poku/75), Pavlidis, Van Bommel (Van Brederode/79)
