UECL: AZ Secure 2-0 Win Over Shelbourne in Conference League

Shelbourne's qualification chances take hit

Shelbourne's European campaign on life support. AZ snap losing streak with home win over Shelbourne in UEFA Conference League securing vital win.

AZ's lack of goals almost cost them, as Shelbourne had a good chance through John Martin...

AZ snapped a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over Shelbourne at AFAS Stadion, ending a disappointing run of form. The Dutch side had suffered their first home defeat in months, so this win was a big boost for their European campaign.

Yet, while they dominated possession throughout the first half here, clear-cut chances came at a premium as they failed to register a single shot on target before the break.

In-form striker Troy Parrott cut a frustrated figure up front as the game passed him by, though it took a brilliant last-ditch interception from Patrick Barrett to deny the Irish international a tap-in on the quarter-hour.

There were very few causes for concern for Joey O’Brien’s visitors, who were the only side to fire a shot on target in the first period, with returning AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro smothering Ademipo Odubeko’s effort after a corner dropped to the Shelbourne striker.

AZ dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create clear chances, failing to register a single shot on target before halftime. Troy Parrott was frustrated up front, and it took a great save from Patrick Barrett to keep him quiet. Shelbourne, on the other hand, had a couple of decent chances, including a shot on target from Ademipo Odubeko.

AZ's lack of goals almost cost them, as Shelbourne had a good chance through John Martin, but goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro made a great save. However, AZ got the breakthrough they deserved when Mees de Wit scored from a corner, powering the ball home from a Peer Koopmeiners cross.

Seven of the hosts’ previous eight home games had seen both teams score, but Shelbourne’s toothlessness meant a comeback never really materialised.

The Reds fall to defeat in Alkmaar. pic.twitter.com/MIfGrf5jP8

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) November 27, 2025

A brilliant save from Speel prevented Parrott from doubling AZ’s lead late on, but there was nothing he could do to keep out Isak Jensen’s effort from distance in the 87th minute.

That wrapped up a victory that lifts AZ into the top 24, but a third successive defeat for Shelbourne in this competition means their qualification chances are all but over.