NEC Stun AZ with Clinical Away Victory

NEC Nijmegen delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing to defeat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 at the AFAS Stadion, strengthening their grip on fourth place in the Eredivisie.

The visitors wasted little time in asserting their dominance, with Tjaronn Chery opening the scoring after just 10 minutes before Bas Onal doubled their advantage two minutes later. The early blitz left AZ shell-shocked, despite predictions favouring a high-scoring home victory.

Troy Parrott pulled one back for the hosts on the stroke of half-time, converting what proved to be their only meaningful chance of the evening. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished seven minutes into the second half when Kodai Sano restored NEC’s two-goal cushion with a well-taken finish.

The statistics told the story of NEC’s superiority. The away side registered 18 shots to AZ’s 10, with seven on target compared to the hosts’ meagre two. NEC’s clinical edge was evident in their conversion rate, making the most of their opportunities whilst AZ struggled to trouble goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst despite enjoying spells of possession.

Form proves decisive

NEC’s excellent recent form – five wins from their last six league outings – was evident throughout, with their tactical discipline and sharp finishing contrasting sharply with AZ’s recent inconsistencies. The defeat leaves Pascal Jansen’s men five points adrift of their visitors, having now lost two of their last four matches.

The result sees NEC consolidate fourth position with 35 points from 19 games, maintaining their impressive points-per-game average of 1.84. For AZ, languishing in fifth with 32 points from 20 matches, questions will be asked about their ability to convert possession into clear-cut chances.

Referee Serdar Gözübüyük kept control of a relatively clean encounter, with only three bookings across both sides as NEC secured a statement victory that underlines their credentials for European qualification.