Juventus secured a 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, with Teun Koopmeiners and Randal Kolo Muani scoring to extend the Italian side’s impressive run in the competition.
The Bianconeri entered the encounter on the back of a crucial 2-0 win over Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.
They also maintained their unbeaten record in the Europa League, having recorded two victories and a draw against Rennes before the trip to the Netherlands.
Juventus took the lead in the 19th minute through Koopmeiners, who finished off a well-worked move involving Kolo Muani.
The French forward flicked the ball past a defender before driving towards the right flank and delivering a cutback to the midfielder, who calmly fired home with his left foot.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 37th minute after Kolo Muani capitalised on a defensive mistake by AZ Alkmaar.
His aggressive pressing forced Mees de Wit into an error, allowing Nick Woltemade to set up the Frenchman, who curled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.
AZ Alkmaar, who had gone unbeaten in 17 European home matches since October 2023, struggled to find a response before the break but gradually increased their attacking pressure in the second half.
The hosts eventually reduced the deficit in the 88th minute when Mexx Meerdink tapped in from close range after Ayoub Oufkir dispossessed Lloyd Kelly and sent Elijah Dijkstra down the right flank.
Dijkstra’s cutback found Meerdink, who converted to set up a tense finish.
AZ Alkmaar pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Meerdink’s header forcing an impressive save from Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
However, Mees de Wit’s follow-up was ruled out for offside, allowing Juventus to hold on for the win.
The victory strengthens Juventus’ position in the Europa League league phase, while AZ Alkmaar suffered their first European home defeat in more than three years.
