AZ Alkmaar dropped their first points of the season after being held to a goalless draw by Groningen.
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Arnie Slot was forced to make changes to his in-form side with Dries Wuytens and Ron Vlaar ruled out with slight knocks. Teun Koopmeiners dropped into the centre of defence alongside Pantelis Hatzidiakos, while Jordy Clasie came into the midfield.
Groningen, who lost Ritsu Doan in the warm-up, made a bright start in ADO Den Haag’s Cars Jeans Stadion, where AZ were forced to play for the second game running. Kaj Sierhuis got the two best chances for the visitors, but he was off target with a strike and a header.
AZ struggled to create chances but before the break the ball broke kindly for Oussama Idrissi in the box, but his strike was blocked by Ko Itakura.
In the second half, chances were few and far between with Calvin Stengs firing wide for AZ. At the other end, Mo El Hankouri cut inside before curling wide of the goal.
The game ended goalless with AZ moving onto seven points while Groningen have four. AZ must now prepare to face Royal Antwerp in the Europa League.
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Shame but I like Groningen they lose their best talent ur do well & always have good looking kits. Lots Reis for cheap €3m & Doan is wanted by PSV. Still think Reis should of stayed bc Barca is great but he is in B team another season at Groningen at 18 been great for him or AJAX wanted him for Frenkie replacement
Still think AZ will finish Top 4 Boadu Steng & Idrissi are just brilliant & Koop I’m huge fan of forget how young he still is sometimes at 21.