Semi-finalists in the UEFA Cup back in 2005, AZ Alkmaar have a mountain to climb after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Anderlecht in this UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) quarter-final tie. However, with the ‘away goals’ rule no longer in place, AZ Alkmaar side can throw everything at their visitors in order to maintain a perfect UECL home record this term (W7).
Still, it has been 16 years since AZ Alkmaar managed to even level a tie after a first-leg deficit of two goals in any post-group stage UEFA knockout tie and proceed. That means they must show the ability to start and finish well, possibly by continuing a trend that has seen them score either side of half-time in all of their four UECL proper home fixtures this term.
Only a total collapse from Anderlecht will see them denied a first continental semi-final in 33 years. While they travel on the back of a 5-2 loss against Genk, Brian Riemer’s men are often the envy of defences in this competition, especially when going abroad where all four of the Paars-wit’s prior European away wins this season were accompanied by a shutout.
Satisfyingly for Anderlecht fans with longer memories, the UEFA Cup winners of 1983 are also primed to avenge their Europa League elimination to AZ Alkmaar in 2012. But there is also a wider club agenda across the border too, with no Anderlecht side getting an away win against Dutch opponents since conquering the nation’s greatest club (Ajax) 3-1 in December 2009.
Players to watch: Jens Odgaard opened the scoring in AZ Alkmaar 3-0 Eredivisie victory over Sittard at the weekend, ending a run of more than two months without a goal. Ten years his senior, Islam Slimani has the experience that could be an asset to Anderlecht, especially after netting their Round of 16 away leg winner against Villarreal a month ago.
Hot stat: None of AZ Alkmaar four previous home clashes in this season’s UECL proper have seen them get a shutout.
