AZ Alkmaar are heading out of the Europa League after a 4-1 defeat at home to Lyon.
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The home side actually began the game on top and Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was called into action to deny AZ an early lead, with both Illias Bel Hassani and Alireza Jahanbakhsh coming close.
However, with their first chance of the game Lyon took the lead on 27 minutes. Poor marking at the back meant Lucas Tousart was left completely unmarked after a corner was cleared and the midfielder had a simple tap in to make it 1-0.
Jahanbakhsh forced Lopes into a fine save as AZ looked for the equaliser, but in injury time more poor defending gifted Lyon their second. Rens van Eijden was caught trying to play offside, and Corentin Tolisso set up Alexandre Lacazette to beat Tim Krul.
The hosts came out quickly after the break but both Wout Weghorst and Bel Hassani missed excellent chances and Lyon once again made them pay. Just before the hour mark, Lacazette got free, rounded Krul and slotted in his second and Lyon’s third.
Ten minutes later, AZ finally got themselves a goal when Levi Garcia was brought down in the box and Jahanbakhsh netted from the penalty spot. After that goal Lyon decided to sit back but AZ couldn’t find a way through their defence and in injury time, Jordan Ferri sealed a resounding victory.
AZ now travel to France next week needing a miracle to reach the last 16.
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