AZ Alkmaar Crush NEC 5–1 to Win Dutch Cup After 13 Years
AZ restored their dominance in the closing stages.
(Web Desk): AZ Alkmaar produced a dominant performance to win the Dutch Cup final on Sunday, defeating NEC Nijmegen 5–1 at the Feyenoord Stadium.
AZ took control of the match in the 32nd minute when left-back Mees de Wit finished from close range after a strong run down the flank by Ro-Zangelo Daal.
NEC responded late in the match, pulling one back in the 78th minute through Japanese striker Koki Ogawa, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
However, AZ restored their dominance in the closing stages. A goal from Kees Smit, who chipped former Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, extended the lead to 4–1 in stoppage time after an earlier effort by Sven Mijnans was ruled out for offside.
Read More: FIFA president Infantino confirms Iran will “for sure” play World Cup
Ireland international Troy Parrott added the fifth goal shortly after, sealing a comprehensive victory with a deflected close-range finish.
The win marks AZ Alkmaar’s fifth Dutch Cup triumph and their first in 13 years. In contrast, NEC Nijmegen have now lost all six cup finals in their history.
The victory also secures AZ a place in the league phase of next season’s UEFA Europa League, despite their recent elimination from the UEFA Europa Conference League by Shakhtar Donetsk.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.