AZ Alkmaar have qualified for the next round of the Europa League after a 2-0 win over Maccabi Haifa in the AFAS Stadion.

  • By Michael Bell
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gudelj azAZ Alkmaar made a slow start to the game, with Maccabi Haifa controlling the possession early on, but not creating any real chances.

The home side were awarded a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box, but Nemanja Gudelj’s effort was brilliantly kept out by Maccabi keeper Saranov.

However eight minutes before the break, Gudelj opened the scoring, as he was left free at the back post to tap in Maarten Martens free-kick from the right hand side.

Five minutes into the 2nd half Maccabi should have been level when Abuhazira was sent clear by a long ball, but the forward could only scoop over the bar when one on one with Esteban.

Maccabi continued to press for an equaliser, but barely troubled Alvarado in the AZ goal, and the home side defended comfortably.

In the 4th minute of injury time AZ wrapped up the win, as Johann Berg Gudmundsson cut in from the right before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

The win confirms AZ’s place in the knockout rounds, but they face a showdown with PAOK in two weeks to see who finishes top of the group.




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