AZ Alkmaar defeated 2-0 away by Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League

AZ failed to follow up their good start in the Europa League. After the 3-2 win last week against the Swedish Elfsborg, a 2-0 defeat at Athletic in Bilbao followed. AZ had held out for 70 minutes in San Mamés. In this stadium, the final of the second-tier European tournament will be played on May 21 next year. Then Iñaki Williams scored the liberating goal for the home team, who had the ball most of the time.

Oihan Sancet determined the final score shortly before the end at 2-0. On October 24, the Alkmaarders will have an away match against Tottenham Hotspur.

As expected, the initiative lay with the home team, the fifth-placed team in the Spanish top-flight La Liga. The most danger came from Yuri Berchiche's long-range shots. The frequently advancing left-back hit the crossbar above AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who was alert to another effort by Berchiche. AZ had a shot attempt by Ruben van Bommel, which was saved in two attempts by goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.

Seiya Maikuma had his hands full with top winger Nico Williams. Having been issued a yellow card, it was increasingly difficult for the Japanese to stop one of the big stars of the Spanish team at the last European Championship. Shortly before half-time, Zico Buurmeester got a chance after a pass from Troy Parrett, but the surprising choice in the line-up of trainer Maarten Martens had not counted on it and did not get further than a soft shot.

Shortly after the break, Van Bommel shot just wide from a distance. The game did not change: the home team mostly had possession but few clear-cut chances. Martens replaced Parrot and Jordy Clasie with Mexx Meerdink and Kristijan Belic. They saw Gorka Guruzeta shoot just over the AZ goal after more than an hour.

In the 72nd minute, the home team finally scored. AZ unnecessarily lost the ball, after which Iñaki Williams scored from close range with an assist from his brother Nico. The home team got more space, and Sancet took advantage by once again passing AZ goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro after a rebound.

Athletic drew 1-1 at AS Roma last week.