AZ Alkmaar strengthened their grip on a UEFA Europa League play-off spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Italian giants AS Roma.
The match got off to a cautious start, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities in the opening quarter.
The first genuine chance fell to AZ’s Sven Mijnans in the 25th minute, but his chipped effort was blocked by Roma’s Manu Koné.
As the half drew to a close, AZ began to assert their dominance. A tame clearance from Evan Ndicka presented Mexx Meerdink with a golden opportunity, but the midfielder failed to capitalize, blasting his shot high and wide from 10 yards out.
Roma emerged from the break with renewed energy, having scored four of their last five goals in the second half. Paulo Dybala came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock with a half-volley that grazed the crossbar. Despite maintaining a high tempo, Roma continued to struggle in the final third, with Angeliño’s inviting cross into the six-yard box evading all comers.
Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless stalemate, AZ launched a swift counter-attack in the dying minutes. Substitute Troy Parrott proved to be the hero, scoring his 12th goal of the campaign with a composed finish past Mile Svilar from David Wolfe’s low cross.
