AZ Alkmaar finish top in Group L of the Europa League despite conceding a last minute equaliser to draw 2-2 with PAOK in Greece.
- By Michael Bell
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Dick Advocaat made a number of changes to his AZ side as he prioritised Sundays league game against Heracles, over claiming top spot in Group L.
However the young AZ side started well and took the lead on 31 minutes when defender Thomas Lam spun his marker in the box, and his low drive found the net off the post.
The lead did not last long though, as PAOK were awarded a penalty on 39 minutes for a foul by Fernando Lewis, and Lucas made no mistake from the spot.
Steven Berghuis nearly regained the lead for AZ, but after cutting in from the right his drive was well saved by PAOK keeper Glykos. The Greek stopper was then at full stretch to divert substitute Johann Gudmundsson’s effort wide.
With 20 minutes left AZ were awarded a penalty for a handball, and Donny Gorter sent Glykos the wrong way to make it 2-1 to the visitors.
AZ defended their lead well until with the last kick of the game Stelios Pozoglou broke the Dutch sides resistance to earn a 2-2 draw.
The 2-2 draw still sees AZ climb above PAOK up to top spot in Group L thanks to a better head to head record with the Greeks over their two ties.
It was a great performance by Dick Advocaat’s young side, and they can now look forward to tomorrows knock out round draw.
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