AZ reached the final of the play-offs for European football on Thursday. The Alkmaar team easily won against sc Heerenveen in front of their home crowd thanks to a hat-trick from Mexx Meerdink: 4-1.
Meerdink had already scored three before halftime. For the 21-year-old striker, who is experiencing his breakthrough season at AZ, it was his first hat-trick at the professional level.
Due to Meerdink’s three goals, Heerenveen quickly had no chance of winning. It didn’t become as painful as the 9-1 defeat last September for the Frisians, but the team again had nothing to contribute in Alkmaar.
AZ remains on course to extend its series of European appearances, after the club failed to qualify for the Europa League by winning the KNVB Cup. The Alkmaar team has always been active at the European level since the 2018/2019 season.
To be again next season, trainer Maarten Martens’ team must face FC Twente or NEC in the final on Sunday. Those teams will meet later in the evening in Enschede.
The final will be played in Alkmaar anyway. The team that finished highest in the regular competition has the home advantage in the European play-offs. AZ, as number five, plays all matches at home.
Thirteen Goals for Meerdink
At Heerenveen, only four players started who were also in the starting line-up in the 9-1 defeat, when Robin van Persie was still coach of the Frisians. At AZ, Troy Parrott, who scored four times against Heerenveen, was on the bench. The Irishman returned after an injury.
His replacement Meerdink claimed a leading role for himself. The striker scored after three minutes from a cross from Sven Mijnans from the left. The goal was preceded by a poor clearance from Heerenveen goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart.
In the 21st minute, Meerdink scored a similar goal, this time from a cross from David Møller Wolfe. Just before halftime, it became 3-0. Meerdink headed in a cross from Seiya Maikuma. For Meerdink, the counter this season stands at thirteen goals in all competitions.
Clasie Celebrates Return
It quickly became clear that it would be a difficult task for Heerenveen, who only took their first shot in the 57th minute. A little less than ten minutes later, AZ made it 4-0 via Alexandre Penetra, who shot in from a corner.
Martens had plenty of room to let Jordy Clasie make his return after 72 minutes. The 33-year-old veteran had been out since mid-March due to a muscle injury, which caused him to miss the cup final, among other things.
Ion Nicolaescu saved face for Heerenveen with a good header, but it was only a drop in the bucket.