AZ Alkmaar booked a meeting with Utrecht in the play-off final after a 4-1 win over Groningen. They progress 8-2 on aggregate.
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Down 4-1 from the first leg and without star man Mimoun Mahi, Groningen had an uphill task, which became an impossible one on nine minutes. Eighteen-year-old Calvin Stegs, who starred in the first leg played an exceptional through ball to Dabney Dos Santos, who then set up Wout Weghorst for a simple tap in.
Just after the half-hour mark, Tom van Weert was gifted a great opportunity after some poor defending by the hosts, but when presented with Tim Krul the forward could only fire wide. Before the break, Groningen did level when Bryan Linssen fired past Krul from just inside the box.
However, any chance of a comeback was short-lived as Joris van Overeem restored AZ’s lead ten minutes into the second half with a header from close range after Sergio Padt failed to clear a cross. Less than ten minutes later, van Overeem turned provider to set up Stengs for a header to make it 3-1. Van Overeem then settled the tie late on by sweeping in Jeremy Helmer’s pass to make it 4-1.
AZ progress to the final where they will meet Utrecht. The first leg takes place next Thursday with the return three days later.
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