Match Centre

AZ Alkmaar's 4-1 victory slightly exceeded their expected goals (1.93 xG vs 4 goals), but the scoreline reflected their superior chance creation (24 total shots, 9 on target) and ruthless efficiency inside the box (11 shots from prime areas). Utrecht's 0.83 xG from just 2 shots on target highlighted their struggles to test AZ's defence, despite near-equal possession (48% vs 52%). The game turned decisively in AZ's favour with three goals in a four-minute second-half blitz (45+1', 47', 49') from Koopmeiners, Patati, and Meerdink – all assisted by Smit and Chavez Garcia, who exploited Utrecht's defensive disorganisation.

AZ dominated the creative metrics, outshooting Utrecht 24-8 and earning more than double the corners (9 vs 3). Utrecht's sole reply came from Stepanov (62'), but Oufkir's late strike (84') capped a performance where AZ converted half their shots on target. The key stat: AZ's 9 shots on target to Utrecht's 2 – a clinical edge that rendered Utrecht's 81% pass accuracy irrelevant.