DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE 3QR
AZ Alkmaar 7
Dundee United 0
9pm (CEST) Thursday 11th August
AFAS Stadion
It was a long night in Alkmaar for the Terrors as AZ progressed comfortably to the Europa Conference League Play-off.
United took to the field with a one-goal advantage, thanks to Glenn Middleton’s strike in the opening leg at Tannadice.
Jack Ross made two changes to his side from last Thursday’s opening leg. There was welcome news as Aziz Behich’s work permit was granted in time for the match who comes straight in at left-back. Jamie McGrath also earned himself a place in the starting 11 with Kieran Freeman and Middleton the ones being changed from last week’s squad.
United fans packed into the Netherlands over the last few days, with 1300 Arabs backing the team in the AFAS Stadion this evening.
United showed glimpses in the first half. Dylan Levitt’s in-swinging free-kick was almost met by Steven Fletcher, the resultant corner was punched clear by Hobie Verhulst.
The host's opener came after 21 minutes after some nice link-up down the left flank. The ball was eventually cut back for Evangelos Pavlidis who tapped home from close range.
Mark Birighitti was called into action soon after, showing bravery to get down and gather the ball at Pavlidis's feet and deny Hakon Evjen from distance soon after.
United’s best chance of the half came after 25 minutes. Liam Smith’s cross just evaded Fletcher before Ian Harkes’ acrobatic effort was well saved by Verhulst.
On the half-hour mark, AZ had their second thanks to Tijjani Reijnders’ drive from distance finding the corner.
A Pavlidis header, Reijnders slotted finish and Evjen shot from outside the area gave the hosts another three, with United trailing at the half by five goals to nil.
There was a double change at half-time for Jack Ross’ side, with Ilmari Niskanen and Glenn Middleton replacing Craig Sibbald and Tony Watt.
However, within one minute of the half, a loose ball found its way to Dani de Wit inside the six-yard box who smashed the ball beyond Birighitti.
AZ had their seventh as the ball broke for Mayckel Lahdo in the box who slotted home with just over 15 minutes to play.
Despite the goals, the action was fairly limited in the second period with Harkes and Middleton going close for United.
With minutes left on the clock, Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick was met by Ryan Edwards who headed agonisingly wide at the back-post.
We’d like to thank all the travelling fans for their tremendous support over the last few days in the Netherlands.
