AFCON 2025
AZ Akmaar are close to qualifying for the round of sixteen of the Europa League after a massive first leg win over Galatasaray.
Victor Osimhen didn’t witness the embarrassing defeat after missing out due to accumulated yellow cards.
The Dutch side showed ruthlessness in front of goal as they smashed Galatasaray 4-1 on Thursday night.
AZ Alkmaar dominated and created more chances to win the match and did so deservedly with nine shots on target while the visitors had just two.
Sven Mijanan scored from a brilliant free kick to give Az Alkmaar the lead in the 14th minute.
Rolland Sallai equalized six minutes later from a rebound on the edge of the box to bring Galatasaray into the match.
Galatasaray’s chance to go ahead in the game fell to Abdulkerim Bardakci but the Turkish defender blew the opportunity.
The home side’s thirst for more goals grew, and the second came in the 37 minutes from a spot-kick after Baris Yilmaz kicked an opponent in the box.
Troy Parrot stepped up and converted to give AZ Alkmaar a 2-1 lead into the first-half break.
Fernando Muslera reacted quickly as he stopped Sven Mijanan’s low drive shot in the box just before the break
Jordy Clasie increased AZ Alkmaar’s lead after he was sent free in the box by Ernest Poku’s pass.
Clasie buried the ball into the bottom corner to give his team a 3-1 lead just before the hour mark.
David Moller took advantage of Galatasaray’s poor clearance in defense as he pounced on a rebound to increase the lead again for the host.
Galatasaray will hope to have Victor Osimhen, Lucas Torreira, and Davinson Sanchez and other key players back in the squad next week as they look to overturn the tie
