AZ Alkmaar came away from the Czech Republic with a crucial 1-0 win over Slovan Liberec in their Europa League last 32 first leg.
- By Michael Bell
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The match at Stadion u Nisy was a tight affair but AZ created the better chances in the first half, with Celso Ortiz firing straight at Slovan keeper Přemysl Kovář, while Roy Beerens and Nemanja Gudelj also wasted good opportunities.
Slovan Liberec started to take control in the second half with AZ’s keeper Esteban having to make excellent stops from a free kick, and Josef Sural’s goal bound shot.
Then with two minutes left a floated free kick was spilled by Kovar, and Nick Viergever was on end to fire the ball into the net, and give AZ a well earned victory.
AZ Alkmaar are now in pole position to reach the last 16, with Viergever’s away goal giving Dick Advocaat’s side a crucial edge going into the return leg at the AFAS Stadion next week.
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