AZ beat FC Twente to keep the battle for third place alive

AZ picked up an important victory against fellow challengers FC Twente in their battle for third place. Maarten Martens's team won 2-1 in Alkmaar, meaning the gap to third-place FC Twente is now two points.

With two games left, AZ has 61 points, while Twente has 63. Due to the win, the goal difference between the two teams is now just about in favor of the Alkmaarders. Both clubs are certain of European Football next season, but third place in the Eredivisie qualifies the team for a qualifying spot for the Champions League.

Sem Steijn opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half. AZ turned the game around thanks to Ruben van Bommel's and Vangelis Pavlidis's goals.

FC Twente could confirm third place with a win. The Alkmaarders had won twice in a row to recover from a disastrous week in April in which the club lost to Heracles and PSV with large scorelines. AZ knew they had to win.

Twente manager Joseph Oosting was missing Michel Flap due to an injury. Naci Unuvar replaced him in the side. He was given a big chance in the 5th minute. Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan stopped the attempt but was powerless to stop the rebound from Steijn, who scored his 14th league goal of the season.

AZ started to press for the equalizer. Van Bommel saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall. The biggest opportunity fell to Yukinari Sugawara. He shot wide of the goal after Ibrahim Sadiq had laid it back to him.

It was 1-1 shortly after halftime. Van Bommel scored from the rebound after Sadiq's shot was saved. Pavlidis took advantage of a slip by substitute Alec van Hoorenbeeck. The Greek shot the ball past Unnerstall for his 28th league goal of the season. He is now the sole top scorer of the season.

In their remaining fixtures, AZ plays away to Go Ahead Eagles and home to FC Utrecht. Twente faces the already relegated FC Volendam and finishes the season against PEC Zwolle.