Haen Heartbreak as Willem II Stun AZ with Late 1-1 Draw

AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Willem II: Eredivisie Stalemate Leaves Home Fans Stunned

AZ Alkmaar were left shellshocked as Devin Haen’s 81st-minute equaliser stole Willem II a 1-1 draw against the run of play in a gripping Eredivisie clash. The home side dominated possession and chances but couldn’t kill off plucky Willem II, who showed the grit that’s made them Dutch football’s great survivors.

AZ Alkmaar’s Early Control

Jordy Clasie thought he’d won it for AZ in the 32nd minute, drilling home after Mexx Meerdink’s clever cutback. The veteran midfielder celebrated like a man who knew this was a statement – AZ’s 67% possession and 22 total shots painting the picture of a side in control. Willem II’s Tonny Vilhena saw yellow just three minutes before the breakthrough, his desperate lunge a sign of the pressure.

Willem II’s Late Fightback

Just as AZ looked comfortable with Stengs and Clasie substituted, Uriël van Aalst sparked chaos. His 81st-minute cross found Haen, whose header sparked bedlam in the away end. Willem II’s goalkeeper Mike Delanghe had been heroic with 4 saves, but this was about sheer will – their 33% possession and just 2 corners showing the scale of the robbery.

What This Means

For AZ, it’s two points dropped in their quest for European football. Those 15 shots off target will haunt them. But Willem II’s fans will sing long into the night – this was the kind of backs-to-the-wall performance that keeps smaller clubs in the Eredivisie. Both sides now regroup for Matchday 7, knowing Dutch football’s unpredictability just wrote another thrilling chapter.

Key Moments

32′ ⚽ AZ Alkmaar — Jordy Clasie (assist: Mexx Meerdink)

81′ ⚽ Willem II — Devin Haen (assist: Uriël van Aalst)