AZ strike early and VAR denies Fortuna fightback | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: AZ beat Fortuna Sittard 2-0 in Alkmaar. Mexx Meerdink opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing from the centre of the box after an Isak Jensen pass. Four minutes later, Sven Mijnans doubled the lead with a left-footed strike from distance (15.). After the restart Fortuna thought they were back in it, but Lance Duijvestijn had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside (65.). AZ posted 54.8% possession and 15 attempts to manage the game, and they now visit Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League next while Fortuna Sittard host NAC Breda in the Eredivisie.

Player of the Match: Sven Mijnans dictated midfield with a goal, three shots on target, three key passes and seven recoveries to keep AZ in control.

Stat of the Match: Jeroen Zoet made four saves, preserving a clean sheet when Fortuna's best spell arrived after the break.

Three Things We Learned: AZ's balance told, with 54.8% possession and 15 attempts, including six on target, setting the early tone. Fortuna Sittard slung in 19 crosses at 21.1% accuracy and mustered four shots on target, but the VAR overturn killed their momentum. AZ forced 10 corners and won 76.9% of their tackles, underlining a solid platform to see the game out.