AZ Alkmaar Secures First UEFA Europa League Win Against Hapoel Beer-Sheva
On 15 October 2026, AZ Alkmaar clinched their inaugural victory in the UEFA Europa League league phase with a hard-fought 2–1 triumph over Hapoel Beer-Sheva at the AFAS Stadion. The encounter was a tightly contested affair, with the deadlock only broken after a cautious first half. This win marks an important milestone for AZ Alkmaar as they seek to progress in the tournament.
Match Timeline & Goals
First Half: Tight and Cagey
The initial 45 minutes saw both teams struggle to create meaningful chances. A defensive stalemate kept the scoreline at 0-0 going into halftime. Both sides showed tactical discipline, with AZ Alkmaar patiently probing and Hapoel Beer-Sheva opting for a compact defensive shape.
Second Half: Goals Flood In
- 49th Minute (1–0): Peer Koopmeiners
The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart when Peer Koopmeiners capitalized on AZ’s first clear-cut opportunity. His goal was confirmed after a brief VAR check, giving the hosts a vital lead. - 55th Minute (1–1): Amankwah Forson
Hapoel Beer-Sheva responded quickly through the efforts of midfielder Amankwah Forson. Assisted by Zahi Ahmed, Forson executed a well-taken strike to level the match, restoring parity. - 76th Minute (2–1): Mexx Meerdink
Enter super-sub Mexx Meerdink, who made an immediate impact after coming on just a minute prior. Winning a penalty following a crucial VAR intervention, Meerdink coolly converted from the spot for the decisive goal, sealing AZ Alkmaar’s victory.
Tactical Analysis
AZ Alkmaar’s Persistence Pays Off
AZ Alkmaar’s approach combined patience with resilience. Their build-up play relied on controlled possession, led by Wouter Goes, who was pivotal defensively and in distribution. Goes racked up 5 tackles and completed 63 accurate passes, anchoring the midfield and defense.
Breaking down Hapoel’s low block defense proved challenging initially. However, the tactical introduction of creative players such as Calvin Stengs and, later, Mexx Meerdink injected fresh dynamism into the attack. This tactical sharpening was absent in AZ’s earlier matchday defeat to Sunderland and proved decisive in ending their Europa League winless streak.
Hapoel Beer-Sheva’s Defensive Resilience
Hapoel Beer-Sheva executed a disciplined, counter-attacking strategy, relying on veteran defender Miguel Vítor, who entered the fray in the second half. Veteran goalkeeper Ofir Marciano was equally vital, making four critical saves to keep his side competitive for much of the contest.
Despite their defensive solidity and moments of attacking promise, costly indiscipline in the penalty area led to the decisive penalty goal for AZ. This ultimately denied Hapoel Beer-Sheva a valuable point on foreign soil.
Key Takeaways
- AZ Alkmaar secured their first Europa League game victory of the season with a 2-1 home win.
- The match was decided by fine margins and VAR-assisted goals.
- Tactical substitutions fueled AZ’s attacking breakthroughs.
- Defensive discipline and goalkeeping kept the game balanced until late in the second half.
- This crucial win revitalizes AZ Alkmaar’s hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
AZ Alkmaar’s victory at the AFAS Stadion was a testament to their tactical adaptability and persistence under pressure. With this momentum, they will look to build on their success in upcoming Europa League fixtures. Meanwhile, Hapoel Beer-Sheva must regroup and tighten discipline if they aim to salvage points as the competition progresses.
