AZ gain a point in 1-1 draw against Galatasaray in the Europa League
AZ Alkmaar picked up a point against the Turkish side Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The Alkmaarders made the perfect start when Sven Mijnans scored in the second minute of the game, but an own goal from Peer Koopmeiners ensured that the match finished level.
AZ was boosted by the fact that Ruben van Bommel returned to the starting lineup for the match. The young winger made his return after missing a month of action through injury last Sunday when he came off the bench against Sparta Rotterdam away.
The home side made the perfect start in Alkmaar by taking the lead in the second minute of the match. Mayckel Lahdo played the ball into the path of Seiya Maikuma, who had come forward from the right-back position. His shot was saved by Fernando Muslera before Sven Mijnans reacted fastest to the rebound and guided it home.
Galatasaray was reeling as Maarten Martens’ side nearly made it 2-0 in the ninth minute. Troy Parrott played a pass into space for Van Bommel, whose shot was saved by Muslera, who then also saved the second attempt from Lahdo.
The counterattack was a dangerous weapon for AZ as they created another chance in the 23rd minute. Van Bommel’s effort went narrowly wide of the goal on this occasion.
Despite this, the halftime score was level as the Turkish visitors equalized shortly before halftime. A cross was headed toward goal by Victor Osimhen before it was deflected over the goalline by AZ defender Peer Koopmeiners.
Galatasaray came out strong in the opening stages of the second half creating two chances in quick succession. Osimhen almost profited from Jeroen Zoet’s decision to come out of his goal, but his lob was too high and was easily intercepted by the AZ defence. This was followed by a headed attempt from his strike partner Michy Batshuayi, but this was saved by Zoet.
They came close again in the 76th minute. Gabriel Sara played a cross into the box, but it was headed onto the post by Abdulkerim Bardakci.
AZ’s young midfielder Kees Smit came on at halftime but did not have the ideal day as he was sent off in the closing stages. The young midfielder was late with a challenge, which resulted in him receiving his second yellow card.
The draw will be considered a good point for AZ, who are now 15th in the 36-team league with seven points.
