AZ Alkmaar are out of the Europa League after they were beaten 2-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate by Benfica in their quarter final.
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Dick Advocaat’s side faced a huge task of progressing to the semi finals after a 1-0 defeat at the AFAS stadion last week, and in the end Benfica proved too strong for the Eredivisie side.
AZ defended valiantly until the 40th minute when Rodrigo tapped in from close range after a fantastic run from Salvio to put Benfica 1-0 up.
With 20 minutes to go Benfica killed off the tie as Salvio once again provided an excellent cross for Rodrigo to fire in at the back post, and make it 2-0. Benfica could have added more goals but AZ goalkeeper Esteban was in good form to keep the score respectable for the Dutch side.
Its been a fantastic campaign for AZ Alkmaar, who became the last Dutch side standing in Europe, but in the end the overall quality of Benfica proved too much. AZ will now look to finish the league campaign strongly and qualify for the Europa League through the end of season play-offs.