AZ v Ajax: Europa push meets play-off chase | OneFootball

AZ host Ajax in the Eredivisie on Sunday, 8 February 2026 in Alkmaar, with European places in play as the visitors sit fourth and the hosts sixth.

AZ and Ajax meet again less than a month after AZ's 6-0 KNVB Beker win, while the league reverse fixture in October also went AZ's way, 2-0 in Amsterdam. Godenzonen arrive fourth on 38 points, with AZ sixth on 32.

Form points to a tight contest. AZ have won two of their last three in all competitions, though they lost 3-1 to NEC in their most recent league outing. Godenzonen are unbeaten in their last three Eredivisie matches, drawing at Excelsior after back-to-back home wins against Volendam and Go Ahead Eagles.

Selection could matter. AZ list Sven Mijnans, Denso Kasius, Rome Owusu-Oduro, Kees Smit and Mexx Meerdink as injured. Godenzonen are without Ko Itakura, Owen Wijndal, Kian Fitz-Jim, Lucas Oliveira Rosa and Oscar Gloukh.

On the pitch, AZ average 54% possession with 82.36% pass accuracy and have scored 36 league goals, with Troy Parrott on 11 and Jizz Hornkamp on 10. Godenzonen tend to control games, averaging 57% possession and 86.35% pass accuracy, and have netted 41 times. Mika Godts leads their scoring with 10 and has seven assists. With seven headed goals this season, deliveries into the box could be a route for the visitors.

A home win would strengthen AZ's play-off push and close the gap to the top four. Victory for Godenzonen would reinforce their grip on the Europa League qualification place and keep them clear of the chasing pack.