AZ Alkmaar put in a strong performance but could not take their opportunities and had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad.

AZ went into the gameweek sitting top of the group, but level on points with both Real Sociedad and Napoli. Arne Slot was hoping his side could put up a better fight than they did in the 1-0 loss to Spain two weeks ago.

The first half was goalless with Adnan Januzaj blasting a good chance over for the visitors, while Calvin Stengs curled an effort wide. The biggest chance of the half fell to Teun Koopmeiners but his deflected strike was brilliantly saved.

Just before the hour mark, AZ got a massive chance when Dani de Wit met a cross with his head from close range but Alex Remiro kept it out with his foot. Moments later, Koopmeiners crashed a shot against the crossbar.

Myron Boadu and Zakaria Aboukhlal came off the bench for AZ and they almost combined for the winner in the last minute. Boadu burst through on the right and instead of shooting he decided to cross for Aboukhlal, who could only head over from close range.

AZ settled in the end for a point which still keeps them well in the running for a knockout round spot. Up next week is a home clash with Napoli, who are now top after they defeated HNK Rijeka.




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