AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Willem II: Wasteful AZ Held at Home in Eredivisie Clash

AZ Alkmaar were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Willem II in the Eredivisie on September 12, 2026, at the AFAS Stadion. The home side dominated for long spells but paid the price for missed chances as Willem II earned a valuable point on the road.

Match Overview

AZ started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ruben van Bommel cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner. The hosts continued to create chances, with Sven Mijnans and Mayckel Lahdo both going close. However, Willem II grew into the game and equalized in the 67th minute through Jesse Bosch, who reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and poked it past the goalkeeper. AZ pushed hard for a winner in the final 20 minutes, but a combination of wasteful finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Willem II's Connor van den Berg kept the score level.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal (AZ): Ruben van Bommel scores a superb solo effort to put AZ ahead.
• 45+2' – Chance (AZ): Sven Mijnans curls an effort just wide from the edge of the box.
• 67' – Goal (Willem II): Jesse Bosch equalizes from close range after a scramble.
• 82' – Save (Willem II): Van den Berg denies Lahdo with a strong one-handed stop.

Tactical Analysis

AZ lined up in their usual 4-3-3, with the full-backs pushing high to overload the flanks. They controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Willem II defense that sat in a compact 5-4-1 block. The visitors were content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, and their equalizer came from exactly that – a quick transition that caught AZ's defense out of shape. AZ's midfield trio of Clasie, Mijnans and De Wit dictated the tempo, but they lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Standout Performers

Ruben van Bommel was AZ's most dangerous player, dribbling with intent and scoring a fine goal. For Willem II, goalkeeper Connor van den Berg was the hero, making several crucial saves, including a late stop to deny Lahdo. Jesse Bosch also impressed with his energy and well-taken goal, while defender Freek Heerkens marshalled the back line superbly.

Season Impact

The draw sees AZ drop points in the early title race, allowing their rivals to gain ground. Willem II, on the other hand, will view this as a morale-boosting result, especially away from home against one of the league's top sides. It lifts them further clear of the relegation zone and demonstrates their ability to compete with the Eredivisie's elite.