Galatasaray’s Late Rally Falls Short as AZ Alkmaar Advances to Europa League Round of 16

AZ Alkmaar advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League following a comprehensive 6-3 aggregate win over Galatasaray, culminating in a 2-2 draw in Istanbul that extends their unbeaten streak against Turkish teams to eight matches.

Despite holding a solid 4-1 lead from the first leg, AZ displayed a determined approach at Rams Park rather than resorting to defence. Günay Güvenç was called into action early, saving Sven Mijnans’ initial attempt, while Davinson Sánchez made a crucial clearance to deny Kristijan Belić’s effort.

After withstanding an early barrage from their opponents, Galatasaray aimed to rediscover the scoring form that netted them 19 goals during the league phase of the UEL. Roland Sallai nearly broke the deadlock with a low shot that was met with a fingertip stop from Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

Galatasaray found it challenging to contain AZ’s attacking play, with Belić’s audacious volley tipped over the bar by Güvenç, who then made another impressive full-stretch save to deny David Møller Wolfe’s blistering shot.

The visitors finally broke through just before half-time when Ernest Poku weaved his way into the box to supply Seiya Maikuma, allowing him to finish with ease past Güvenç, marking the latter’s fourth UEL assist this season.

AZ’s relentless pressure served them well as Denso Kasius nearly sealed their place in the Europa League’s last 16 with a stunning strike from 25 yards, nestling into the top corner.

Galatasaray’s late resurgence, led by Victor Osimhen’s sixth UEL goal of the season, saw them apply some pressure but was ultimately too late to alter the outcome, with Sallai scoring a low shot from Barış Alper Yılmaz’s cutback for good measure.

Okan Buruk’s side faced a monumental task to turn the tie around after suffering a heavy defeat in the first leg, with the Turkish giants now missing out on a place in European knockout football for the third time in five seasons.

AZ Alkmaar’s clinical display over both legs earned them a dominant aggregate victory, and Maarten Martens’ team is poised to face either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round.