Decisive figure steers NEC Nijmegen to victory at AZ

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·31 January 2026

Decisive figure steers NEC Nijmegen to victory at AZ

Kodai Sano set the tone in the 12th minute with a measured assist, as NEC Nijmegen won 3-1 at AZ. The midfielder later scored to cap a standout all-round display.

Working high between the lines, he released Basar Önal to sweep a right-footer into the bottom right from the left side of the box (12.).

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After the restart, he added a superb left-footed strike from outside the area into the top left (52.), tightening NEC's grip on the game.

He finished with three attempts, five interceptions and 19 successful final third passes, underpinning NEC's control and repeatedly winning the ball back to launch attacks.

Because AZ left space in midfield, Sano's positioning and tidy distribution kept NEC progressing through the centre and ensured their runners were consistently served in dangerous areas.

NEC host Heracles next in the Eredivisie, while AZ welcome Ajax.