Europa League: AZ Alkmaar Rout Galatasaray in Dominant Display In Play-off First Leg Tie

 

AZ Alkmaar delivered a scintillating performance to thrash Galatasaray 4-1 at AFAS Stadion, taking a significant lead for a good headstart in the Europa League play-off. 

The match got off to a blistering start, with AZ Alkmaar taking the lead in the 12th minute through Sven Mijnans' clinical finish. Galatasaray responded eight minutes later, with Roland Sallai scoring a stunning equalizer from a rebound. However, AZ Alkmaar regained the lead after half an hour, courtesy of Troy Parrott's calm penalty conversion.

AZ Alkmaar maintained firm dominance in the second half, with the home side scoring two more goals to seal the victory. Captain Jordy Clasie scored the third goal finishing Ernest Poku's through pass from the right flank. Then David Møller Wolfe added the fourth goal after an hour, capitalizing on a rebound to send the AZ Alkmaar comfortably ahead.

The Dutch side's dominance was evident from the outset, with their attacking flair and defensive solidity proving too much for the Turkish visitors. Galatasaray 

Overview 

Considerably, AZ Alkmaar firmly dictated the game, it was a matter of time for Galatasaray to trail in the first period. The Turkish side had a loose defense that was well-exploited multiple times leading to Poku's wasted goalscoring chances that should have set the side well ahead. However, they had their own moment of floppy defense, which led to Galatasaray's equalizer. 

Galatasaray did not farewell still in the second period and their defense was yet porous enough to be taken advantage of. Poku had multiple times capitalized on the right wing for his onslaughts eventually, it paid off by creating an assist that set the side clear.