AZ’s Streak of Drops Continues: RKC Delivers Unexpected Blow

AZ Alkmaar has failed to secure a win for the fourth successive match in the Eredivisie, as RKC Waalwijk managed to snatch a valuable point during their visit to Alkmaar.

AZ has drawn their last two encounters, most recently surrendering a commanding 3-1 lead in the final 30 minutes of their away match against NEC Nijmegen last weekend. On the other hand, RKC Waalwijk was eager to find points for the first time since February 9, after enduring four consecutive defeats in the league.

The visitors faced an early setback as former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott seized on a mistake from RKC, punishing them for a lapse in the build-up. Ibrahim Sadiq’s tenacity allowed him to win the ball near Waalwijk’s penalty area, subsequently setting up Parrott for a clear chance against Jeroen Houwen.

Despite a solitary effort from Peer Koopmeiners, which punctuated a relatively uneventful first half, the second half started off on a brighter note.

Michiel Kramer marked his return to the scoresheet with his first Eredivisie goal in nearly a year, capitalising on a precise cross from Yassin Oukili, slotting it neatly into the bottom corner.

Chris Lokesa then put the struggling RKC in front twenty minutes later, showing remarkable skill to bypass Alexandre Penetra before curling the ball into the far corner.

The lead for RKC was short-lived, as Mexx Meerdink equalised just two minutes later with a well-placed half-volley, marking his seventh goal of the season—each one coming from the bench.

The home side threatened once more with young talent Kees Smit putting pressure on Houwen, but the goalkeeper dealt with the shot comfortably.

Following yet another draw, AZ now sees Feyenoord extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points should they secure a victory over FC Groningen. RKC Waalwijk’s point sees them escape the bottom of the Eredivisie, level on points with Almere City, both sitting on 18 after 27 matches.