AZ Alkmaar beat Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1 on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League. Peer Koopmeiners opened the scoring shortly after half-time, Forson Amankwah equalized for the visitors, and Mexx Meerdink scored from the penalty spot to secure the victory.
The game was played under high security and restrictions. The municipality of Alkmaar banned all traveling Israeli supporters from the stadium out of safety concerns stemming from geopolitical tensions. As a result, the away section remained entirely empty, though a small group of fans traveled anyway and gathered peacefully in the city center prior to kickoff.
AZ dominated possession (62%) and looked dangerous early on. Wouter Goes missed a clear header from a Valdemar Andreasen corner in the 7th minute. Hapoel Beer Sheva goalkeeper Ofir Marciano kept the visitors level by making several sharp saves from Seiya Maikuma and Andreasen.
Shortly after the restart, Andreasen delivered a crisp ball to captain Peer Koopmeiners, who calmly controlled it and fired it past Marciano. The goal was verified and awarded after a quick VAR check.
AZ put themselves in trouble and ensured that the visitors leveled six minutes later. Goalkeeper Jari de Busser played a difficult pass to Wesley Hoedt, who instead of clearing it, tried to control the ball. This was picked off by Zahi Ahmed, who then played the ball across to Amankwah Forson to equalize.
Lee-Roy Echtold’s side looked like they had lost their composure with Hapoel almost scoring again. Javon East forced a save from De Busser after a pass from Igor Zlatanovic.
The decisive incident came in the 74th minute, when Bendegúz Kovács was fouled inside the penalty area by Djibril Diop. VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the penalty in the 75th minute. Substitute Mexx Meerdink then converted with a left-footed shot down the middle of the goal.
Hapoel pushed for a late equalizer, with Amankwah, Miguel Vitor and East missing chances for the Israeli side. However, AZ were able to hang on to secure the win.
