AZ Alkmaar defeated Hapoel Beer-Sheva 2-1 at the AZ Stadion in the UEFA Europa League, featuring goals from Koopmeiners and a decisive penalty by Meerdink.
AZ Alkmaar edge Hapoel Beer-Sheva in tight clash
AZ Alkmaar secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Hapoel Beer-Sheva at the AZ Stadion, kicking off their UEFA Europa League league phase campaign with three vital points. A passionate home crowd in Alkmaar witnessed a tense, tactical battle where both teams fought hard for control, but a crucial second-half penalty ultimately separated the sides and sealed the win for the hosts.
Koopmeiners Action kicks off after halftime
The match began with a cautious approach from both squads, as players focused heavily on maintaining defensive shape and winning crucial midfield duels. Hapoel Beer-Sheva set up a compact block, making it difficult for AZ Alkmaar to find spaces in the final third.
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The visitors posed a threat on quick counter-attacks, forcing the Alkmaar backline to stay fully alert throughout a tightly contested opening 45 minutes. Despite controlling the majority of possession, the hosts struggled to carve out clear-cut scoring opportunities, and the referee blew the halftime whistle with the score locked at 0-0.
Meerdink penalty seals victory
The game burst into life immediately after the interval. AZ Alkmaar returned from the break with renewed attacking energy, and the deadlock was broken in the 49th minute when Koopmeiners found space inside the penalty area and fired a brilliant shot past the goalkeeper.
However, Hapoel Beer-Sheva responded quickly, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute when Forson capitalized on a defensive opening with a sharp finish.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but the decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. AZ Alkmaar were awarded a penalty, and Meerdink stepped up under immense pressure, calmly slotting home to secure a precious 2-1 victory.