Before the match, it was not so much about the match itself, but mainly about Storm Benjamin, which raged across the country on Thursday. Due to the extreme weather, the club decided on Wednesday, in consultation with UEFA and the local triangle, to move the match forward to 6.45 pm.
Feyenoord-Panathinaikos moved to 9 p.m. due to storm Benjamin
No Parrott, but Sadiq and Dekker
For Martens, the earlier start time, setting the alarm clock earlier and making minor adjustments to the schedule had no major consequences. Compared to the 0-2 victory over Ajax this weekend, the AZ coach opted for Ibrahim Sadiq at the point of attack.
Troy Parrott was sidelined with an injury in September and has since made two appearances during the Ireland international break. Although the striker did start against Ajax, he is still in the build-up phase to become fully fit, Martens explained. Ziggo Sports.
Troy Parrott proves his position as AZ’s first striker against Ajax
The AZ coach still had a puzzle to solve on Thursday. In the dramatic match against AEK Larnaca, regular player Alexandre Penetra received a red card after just a few minutes. Maxim Dekker was allowed to replace him, despite the fact that the central defender has only played for the first team for a few minutes this season.
AZ captain Sven Mijnans expects a ‘tough duel’ with experienced Slovan Bratislava
Rain of opportunities results in AZ opening goal
Dekker did not have much to do in the first half, because it was AZ that took the initiative in a soaking wet AFAS Stadium. That resulted in a chance for Sven Mijnans, but the captain did not get the ball in after a nice high pass from Wouter Goes. A little later, Mijnans was there again after a good cross from Denso Kasius, but again the Bratislava goalie prevented a goal.
After a deflected shot from Weslley Patati was kept out of the Slovakian goal with some skill, the Mijnans-Kasius tandem scored the opening goal just before half time. The AZ captain received the ball perfectly from the side and rounded it off beautifully: 1-0.
Outstanding Bratislava goalkeeper
In the extra time of the first half, Mijnans should have scored his second after an easily given penalty, but he failed to extend the score. The Alkmaarders had nothing to fear from the Slovaks and went looking for the second goal after the break, but despite chances from Mijnans, Kasius, Sadiq and Koopmeiners, among others, it did not come thanks to a strong performance by Bratislava goalkeeper Dominik Takac.
Bratislava, undoubtedly frustrated because of the poor play, also ended the match with ten men after a red card for Sandro Cruz, who pressed a hand in Goes’ face just before the end after some pushing and pulling.
Competition phase – EuropeanPlay day 1
