Tjaronn Chery stunned by AZ’s 5-1 victory over NEC in Dutch Cup final

AZ Alkmaar secured a dominant 5-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen in the KNVB Beker final on April 21, 2024, at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, capturing their first major trophy since 2013. The match, played in front of approximately 45,000 spectators, saw AZ take control early with goals from Wouter Goes, Dani de Wit, and Ernest Poku before halftime, leaving NEC reeling.

NEC’s attacking midfielder Tjaronn Chery expressed profound disbelief following the defeat, stating to De Telegraaf: “I had the feeling that losing was impossible.” His reaction underscored the shock felt by the NEC squad, which had entered the final with high hopes after overcoming Feyenoord in the semifinals.

The victory marked a significant turnaround for AZ under head coach Maarten Martens, who guided the team to their sixth KNVB Beker title. AZ’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Poku scoring twice and Tahith Chong adding a late goal to complete the scoring.

For NEC, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after a strong cup run that included victories over PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. Head coach Rogier Meijer acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting that AZ’s superior execution in key moments proved decisive.

The result has immediate implications for both clubs’ seasons. AZ will now focus on maintaining their position in the Eredivisie title race, while NEC must regroup ahead of their final league matches as they aim to secure a European qualification spot.

Looking ahead, AZ faces a crucial Eredivisie match against FC Utrecht on April 28, 2024, while NEC prepares to take on Vitesse Arnhem on the same date in their pursuit of European football.

What are your thoughts on AZ’s dominant performance in the KNVB Beker final? Share your reactions in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #KNVB Beker.