AZ Alkmaar outclassed at home by Aston Villa
AZ Alkmaar was given a harsh dose of reality on Thursday evening against Aston Villa in the UEFA Conference League. The Alkmaarders were beaten 1-4, as the class difference between the two sides was clear for all to see. Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins, and John Mcginn were the goalscorers for Aston Villa. Ibrahim Sadiq got the consolation goal for AZ.
AZ manager Pascal Jansen gave 25-year-old Ibrahim Sadiq his first start as he replaced the suspended Mayckel Lahdo. It was the only change to the side that beat Heerenveen 3-0 last weekend. Aston Villa made four changes to the side that beat West Ham United in the English Premier League last weekend. Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet started at centre back, Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans and Jamaican winger Leon Bailey also came into the side.
The visitors took the lead after 13 minutes. Bailey controlled the ball on the edge of the area before rifling a shot past AZ goalkeeper Maty Ryan. AZ appealed for a handball, but after a VAR check, it was clear that the ball hit the winger's stomach.
Villa made it 2-0 ten minutes later, and once again, one of the players brought into the side got the goal. Sven Mijnans played a risky pass, which was intercepted by John Mcginn, who played the ball through to Tielemans. The midfielder calmly rolled the ball through Ryan's legs to double the Midlands side's lead.
Mijnans nearly made up for his mistake by winning the ball from Boubacar Kamara on the edge of the Aston Villa box. The midfielder fell to the ground when Vangelis Pavlidis curled the ball over the goal from inside the area.
The visitors made it 3-0 after 50 minutes. Tielemans played a ball through to Bailey, who cut inside the defender before attempting to curl the ball into the goal. Ryan saved it, but it went straight to Ollie Watkins, who continued his brilliant goalscoring form with his sixth goal in 14 matches.
Bailey was on form and got another assist five minutes later. This time, Mcginn met his cross at the first post and flicked it home.
Sadiq marked his first start with a goal after 64 minutes. The young winger surprised Emiliano Martinez in the Villa goal with a firm volley from the right corner of the box.
AZ is one of three teams who are level on three points in Group E. Aston Villa are top with six points. The teams will meet again in two weeks in England. The next Eredivisie fixture for Jansen’s side is at home to NEC on Sunday.
