Anderlecht 2-0 AZ: The visitors suffered a painful fall in Brussels in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Conference League against Anderlecht on Thursday evening. The Alkmaarders could not make a fist against the current number nine in the Jupiler Pro League.
AZ faces a hell of a challenge after defeat at Anderlecht
Verbruggen already saw Vangelis Pavlidis coming towards him in the first minute, but was alert and prevented a quick surprise from Alkmaar. There were not many great opportunities in the opening phase in Brussels, but when Anderlecht increased the pressure, it was also an immediate hit for the Belgians. After 22 minutes, AZ fell behind in the Lotto Park.
Anders Dreyer was given plenty of room to give with the left and Pantelis Hatzidiakos then let himself be beaten quite easily by Michael Murillo, who headed into the far corner. AZ had no answer to Anderlecht, who played more fiercely and could hardly create any danger for Verbruggen’s goal. On the other hand, Mathew Ryan had to intervene a few times with opportunities for the home team.
New blow
AZ had little to say against the current number nine in Belgium before the break. But as the second half progressed, it increasingly bit off. Pavlidis’ header went wide and Sam Beukema’s shot in a promising position was blocked in time. On a pass from Milos Kerkez, Sven Mijnans had an excellent chance to score the equalizer after an hour, but the midfielder pushed the ball over Verbruggen’s goal.
When AZ started to press a little more for Verbruggen’s goal, Anderlecht scored the 2-0 after a quick attack. Francis Amuzu gave to the Ghanaian Majeed Ashimeru and he brought AZ further trouble twenty minutes before the end with a shot on the edge of the penalty area. In the final phase, AZ went looking for the tying goal with substitute Jesper Karlsson, but Verbruggen simply held on and saw Anderlecht push for a third goal. The current number four in the Eredivisie faces a hell of a challenge. To reach the semi-finals of the Conference League at home next week.
Gent 1-1 West Ham United
The opponent of the winner of the encounter between Anderlecht and AZ. Can prepare for a semi-final against AA Gent or West Ham United. The first meeting between those two teams ended in a draw. West Ham, the number fourteen in the Premier League, took the lead in the stoppage time of the first half. Through Danny Ings. Shortly before, a goal by his teammate Nayef Aguerd was disallowed due to handball. Gent, fourth in the Jupiler Pro League, came 1-1 after less than an hour. Thanks to a hit by Hugo Cuypers. Tarik Tissoudali came in for the home team shortly before the end.
