UEL: AZ Alkmaar Book Last 16 Spot with 6-3 Aggregate Win Over Galatasaray

Galatasaray's late surge was insufficient as AZ Alkmaar held on for a 2-2 draw, advancing to the Europa League last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate victory.

AZ Alkmaar secured a spot in the Europa League's last 16, defeating Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in Istanbul. This result extended AZ's unbeaten streak against Turkish teams to eight consecutive games.

Despite holding a commanding 4-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, AZ Alkmaar showed no signs of complacency in the return fixture at Rams Park. Günay Güvenç made an early save to deny Sven Mijnans, while Davinson Sánchez's goal-line clearance prevented Kristijan Belić from scoring.

After weathering AZ's initial storm, Galatasaray sought to replicate their prolific scoring form from the Europa League group stage, where they netted 19 goals. Roland Sallai came close to breaking the deadlock with a low, skidding shot that prompted a fingertip save from Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

Galatasaray's defense continued to be tested by AZ's relentless attack, with Günay Güvenç producing two impressive saves to deny Kristijan Belić and David Møller Wolfe. However, the visitors' pressure eventually paid off just before halftime, as Ernest Poku's impressive dribbling led to Seiya Maikuma scoring an easy goal past Güvenç.

AZ's attacking momentum showed no signs of slowing down, and Denso Kasius effectively sealed their spot in the last 16 with a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner. Despite a late surge from Galatasaray, AZ's aggregate lead proved insurmountable.

AZ Alkmaar draw in Istanbul to progress 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/HSmuFRSZFE

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2025

Galatasaray's late flurry of goals, led by Victor Osimhen's sixth UEL goal of the season, ultimately came too late to change the outcome. Roland Sallai added a second goal for the hosts with a low, first-time finish from Barış Alper Yılmaz's cutback. Despite the late rally, Okan Buruk's team was unable to overcome the significant deficit from the first leg.

AZ's ruthless performance across both legs earned them a convincing aggregate win, and they will now face either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round. Maarten Martens' team has been rewarded for their impressive display, which has propelled them into the last 16 of the Europa League.