UEFA Europa League 26/27 · Round 2 · THU, OCT 15
AZ Alkmaar vs Hapoel Be`er Sheva FC match report: AZ Alkmaar edge past Hapoel Be'er Sheva
AZ Alkmaar recovered from a goalless first half to beat Hapoel Be'er Sheva 2-1 in the UEFA Europa League, with Mexx Meerdink's penalty proving decisive.
By 10xSharp · Published
Result
AZ Alkmaar won the match 2-1 after a goalless first half. The home side scored twice in the second half to secure the win. The result leaves AZ Alkmaar with a home win in the UEFA Europa League.
Goals
Peer Koopmeiners opened the scoring for AZ Alkmaar in the 49th minute, assisted by Valdemar Byskov Andreasen. This was Koopmeiners's first UEFA Europa League goal for AZ Alkmaar this season. Forson Amankwah equalised for Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the 55th minute, assisted by Zahi Ahmed, his first UEFA Europa League goal for the club this season. Mexx Meerdink scored the winning penalty for AZ Alkmaar in the 77th minute, his first UEFA Europa League goal for AZ Alkmaar this season.
Match Flow
AZ Alkmaar were on top for most of the first half. They were also on top for most of the second half. Overall, AZ Alkmaar were on top for most of the match.
Key Stats
AZ Alkmaar controlled possession with 62% compared to Hapoel Be'er Sheva's 38%. The home side had 8 shots on target to the away side's 4. AZ Alkmaar also had 5 corners to Hapoel Be'er Sheva's 1.
Discipline
Both teams received 4 yellow cards each. There were no red cards in the match. The referee was Radoslav Gidzhenov.
Pre-Match
Bookmakers made AZ Alkmaar the favourites, at an implied 75%; AZ Alkmaar won the match.
What It Means
AZ Alkmaar are now in 17th place with 3 points and a goal difference of 0. Hapoel Be'er Sheva are in 24th place with 1 point and a goal difference of -1.
Verdict
AZ Alkmaar controlled the match on the numbers and were on top for most of the game, eventually securing a 2-1 win. The result moves AZ Alkmaar to 17th in the table, while Hapoel Be'er Sheva sit 24th.