AZ snatch late draw against FC Twente with last-second equalizer
AZ Alkmaar scored in the final seconds of the game to ensure that the points were shared in their home game against FC Twente. Peer Koopmeiners found the net in the final seconds to make it 2-2 after Jordy Clasie, an own goal from Rome-Jayden Owusu Oduro, and Sam Lammers had scored earlier in the game.
The late leveler was a blow to Twente’s Champions League hopes. The Tukkers could have come to within four points of Feyenoord in second place, which guarantees a Champions League spot, or could have leapfrogged Ajax and NEC for third place, which puts you in a qualification spot for the competition. Ajax and NEC had both failed to win on Saturday.
AZ broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through their team captain, Jordy Clasie. A cross from Mees de Wit was knocked out of the box to the midfielder, who volleyed it into the goal via the inside of the post with one touch.
Lee-Roy Echtold’s side almost doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when center back Alexander Penetra’s shot was blocked before going in a minute before some fantastic skill by De Wit opened up the pass to Troy Parrott, his effort was also blocked before going in. Mats Rots the defender to clear it this time.
This proved costly as Twente equalized within a minute. Kristian Hlynsson played a pass to Sam Lammers, Penetra went to ground but did not win the ball, and Lammers' cross was then deflected into the AZ goal via the legs of goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu Oduru.
Parrott missed another chance right before halftime. Isak Jensen found the Irishman at the back post with a terrific cross, but his instep finish hit the side-netting when an effort on target would have likely meant a certain goal.
Twente took the lead in the 55th minute. A long ball by defender Ruud Nijstad was won twice by Hlynsson with some fantastic work rate, which led to a simple tap-in for Lammers.
Kees Smit almost leveled the game on the hour mark after Twente failed to clear the ball, but his low effort into the near post but Lars Unnerstal was equal to it.
Parrott was gifted another chance in the 70th minute when Ro-Zangelo Daal put a fantastic cross into the far post, which the striker nodded over from close range.
It all seemed to be comfortable for Twente before the strike in the final seconds of the game. Substitute Peer Koopmeiners hit a terrific shot into the corner after Owusu Oduro, who had come forward for the final free kick, had laid the ball off to him.
Both sides have two games remaining. AZ face Feyenoord away next week, while Twente host Sparta Rotterdam. In the final game, Twente travels to the champions PSV Eindhoven. AZ hosts relegation candidates NAC Breda.
