Fenerbahçe fails to make an impact away at AZ Alkmaar: 3-1 defeat

In the 4th week of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe faced the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar away from home.

During the first half of the match played at the AZ Stadium, Fenerbahçe created several goal-scoring opportunities with Edin Dzeko but failed to capitalize on them, and the teams went into the locker room tied at 0-0.

AZ Alkmaar took a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute with a goal from Ro-Zangelo Daal, who had come on as a substitute.

Fenerbahçe won a penalty in the 62nd minute of the match after Edin Dzeko was brought down by a challenge from De Wit. En-Nesyri stepped up to take the penalty, but AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Oduro denied him the goal.

Fenerbahçe equalized in the 70th minute. Youssef En-Nesyri's header found the back of the net despite Maikuma's intervention, bringing the score to 1-1.

AZ Alkmaar responded to Fenerbahçe's goal 5 minutes later with a goal from Kees Smit, taking the lead once again: 2-1.

Finding another goal in the 87th minute through Denso Kasius, the Dutch side left the pitch with a 3-1 victory and secured the 3 points.

Fenerbahçe, suffering their first defeat in the Europa League, remained on 5 points, while AZ Alkmaar increased their points to 6.

In the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe will face the Czech side Slavia Prague away, while AZ Alkmaar will host Galatasaray.

FENERBAHÇE SUFFERS FIRST DEFEAT IN EUROPA LEAGUE

Fenerbahçe, losing 3-1 away to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League, has suffered its first defeat.

Fenerbahçe was the guest of the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the 4th week of the UEFA Europa League. The Yellow-Navy Blues lost the match 3-1 after a goalless first half. Fenerbahçe's only goal came from Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan forward also missed a penalty kick in the 62nd minute.

Having earned 3 points by defeating Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 in the first match of the Europa League, Fenerbahçe subsequently drew with Twente and Manchester United with the same score (1-1). The Canaries remained on 5 points with today's defeat. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, secured their 2nd victory in the competition and moved up to 6 points.

Fenerbahçe will be the guest of the Czech side Slavia Prague on Thursday, November 28, in the 5th week of the Europa League.

FROM A 3-MAN MIDFIELD TO A 3-MAN ATTACK

Head Coach Jose Mourinho followed the match from the stands due to his suspension. Fenerbahçe started the match against the Dutch side with a three-man midfield. While Sofyan Amrabat, İsmail Yüksek, and Fred were all in the starting 11, Szymanski started the match on the bench. Captain Edin Dzeko started as the lone striker, but the Yellow-Navy Blues switched to a double-striker formation with the introduction of Youssef En-Nesyri in the 58th minute. After the home side found their 2nd goal, the coaching staff brought on Cenk Tosun, and the team played with 3 strikers in the final 10 minutes.

BECAO SUSPENDED

Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becao, who started the match, received a yellow card in the 63rd minute following a challenge on his opponent. Having received his 3rd card this season, Becao is now suspended. The 28-year-old footballer will not be able to play in the match against Slavia Prague. Becao was replaced by Mert Hakan Yandaş in the 79th minute against AZ Alkmaar.

News Source: 12punto