In a commanding UEFA Europa League performance on February 13, 2025, AZ Alkmaar secured a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray at the AFAS Stadion. This decisive win places the Dutch side in a favorable position ahead of the second leg.
Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar initiated the scoring in the 12th minute when Sven Mijnans delivered a remarkable free-kick into the top left corner. Galatasaray responded in the 20th minute with Roland Sallai unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box, leveling the score. However, the hosts regained their lead in the 37th minute through a penalty converted by Troy Parrott. The situation worsened for Galatasaray early in the second half as Kaan Ayhan received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men. AZ Alkmaar capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Jordy Clasie extending the lead in the 57th minute and David Møller Wolfe sealing the victory in the 66th minute.
Player Ratings and Statistics
AZ Alkmaar:
Hobie Verhulst (Goalkeeper): Demonstrated reliability with crucial saves, particularly in the first half. Rating: 7/10
Yukinari Sugawara (Right-Back): Provided consistent support in both defense and attack, contributing to the team's overall stability. Rating: 7/10
Pantelis Hatzidiakos (Center-Back): Displayed strong defensive capabilities, effectively neutralizing Galatasaray's offensive threats. Rating: 7.5/10
Bruno Martins Indi (Center-Back): Offered leadership and composure at the back, ensuring defensive organization. Rating: 7.5/10
David Møller Wolfe (Left-Back): Not only solid defensively but also contributed a goal in the 66th minute. Rating: 8/10
Jordy Clasie (Midfielder): Controlled the midfield tempo and scored a goal in the 57th minute. Rating: 8.5/10
Peer Koopmeiners (Midfielder): Provided energy and distribution in midfield, linking defense and attack effectively. Rating: 7.5/10
Sven Mijnans (Midfielder): Opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick and was a constant creative force. Rating: 8.5/10
Mayckel Lahdo (Forward): Showed pace and creativity on the wing, troubling the Galatasaray defense. Rating: 7.5/10
Troy Parrott (Forward): Converted a crucial penalty and provided a consistent attacking threat. Rating: 8/10
Ernest Poku (Forward): Assisted in the build-up play and maintained pressure on the opposition's defense. Rating: 7/10
Galatasaray:
Fernando Muslera (Goalkeeper): Made several important saves despite conceding four goals. Rating: 6/10
Sacha Boey (Right-Back): Struggled defensively against AZ's wingers. Rating: 5/10
Victor Nelsson (Center-Back): Faced challenges containing AZ's forwards. Rating: 5.5/10
Kaan Ayhan (Center-Back): His dismissal in the 51st minute was a turning point. Rating: 4/10
Patrick van Aanholt (Left-Back): Provided some offensive support but left gaps defensively. Rating: 5.5/10
Lucas Torreira (Midfielder): Worked hard in midfield but was overrun at times. Rating: 6/10
Sergio Oliveira (Midfielder): Struggled to impose himself against AZ's midfield. Rating: 5.5/10
Roland Sallai (Midfielder): Scored a notable goal but faded as the game progressed. Rating: 6.5/10
Dries Mertens (Forward): Had limited impact on the game. Rating: 5/10
Mauro Icardi (Forward): Was largely isolated and ineffective. Rating: 5/10
Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Forward): Showed flashes of skill but lacked consistency. Rating: 5.5/10
Match Statistics:
Possession: AZ Alkmaar 54.8% - 45.2% Galatasaray
Total Shots: AZ Alkmaar 17 - 8 Galatasaray
Shots on Target: AZ Alkmaar 9 - 2 Galatasaray
Pass Success Rate: AZ Alkmaar 82% - 74% Galatasaray
Corners: AZ Alkmaar 7 - 1 Galatasaray
Fouls: AZ Alkmaar 12 - 14 Galatasaray
This comprehensive victory provides AZ Alkmaar with a significant advantage as they prepare for the return leg in Istanbul. Galatasaray will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and strategize effectively
to overcome the deficit and keep their Europa League aspirations alive.
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