AZ Alkmaar’s league campaign did not get off to a good start as they were held to a 1-1 draw by PEC Zwolle.
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After their Champions League exit in midweek, AZ kicked off their league campaign with Pantelis Hatzidiakos back in the starting eleven after a lengthy lay-off. He was partnered by Timo Letschert as Teun Koopmeiners moved back into midfield.
PEC Zwolle were awarded a penalty in the 7th minute after a foul by Fredrik Midtso, but VAR overturned the decision as the foul had occurred outside the box.
In the 15th minute, VAR intervened again and this time led to a red card for Calvin Stengs, who launched into a tackle on Kenneth Paal.
Despite playing with ten men, AZ went closest first with Albert Gudmundsson hitting the post. However, PEC Zwolle went straight down the other end and Clint Leemans fired past Marco Bizot.
AZ looked more dangerous in the second half and eventually, Myron Boadu netted the equaliser in the 68th minute. The hosts then threw on Ferdy Druijf as they went in search for the victory.
With seven minutes to go, Druijf was kicked by Thomas Lam, leading to a red card for the PEC Zwolle defender. After the red, AZ went forward in search of the winner, but they never really went close as PEC Zwolle held on.
A false start for AZ Alkmaar, while PEC Zwolle also picks up their first point of the campaign.
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