Match Centre

AZ Alkmaar's 2-1 victory was deserved on the balance of play, with their 2.75 xG significantly outperforming Hapoel Beer Sheva's 1.09. The Dutch side's 58% possession translated into superior chance creation (15 total shots, 7 on target vs. 6 and 4) and a higher shot quality (10 shots inside the box to Hapoel's 5). Peer Koopmeiners' 49th-minute opener and Mexx Meerdink's 77th-minute penalty proved decisive, with Forson Amankwah's 55th-minute equaliser briefly giving Hapoel hope.

AZ's clinical edge was evident in their 5 corner kicks to Hapoel's 1, and their ability to convert a higher proportion of high-value chances. Despite Hapoel matching them in yellow cards (4 each), AZ's territorial dominance (589 passes to 401) and shot volume (15 to 6) underscored their control. Meerdink's penalty conversion, following a VAR-confirmed decision, ultimately tipped the balance in a game where AZ created nearly triple Hapoel's xG.