FC Twente flattered in Alkmaar

Published on 21 december 12, 00:00

ALKMAAR- In AZs last match before the winter break, Gertjan Verbeeks men were left reeling at the final whistle after losing 3-0 to FC Twente. Nacer Chadli bagged a brace and Luc Castaignos got on the scoresheet for Steve McClarens men. The result flattered the visitors but it meant that AZ ended 2012 on a downer in 12th position.

Giliano Wijnaldum and Steven Berghuis were selected in place of Donny Gorter and Johann Berg Gudmundsson who both figured in the recent cup match against FC Dordrecht. AZ had it all to do against a FC Twente side boasting the likes of Dusan Tadic and Nacer Chadli - players not afraid to showcase their natural born talent.

Treat
AZ survived the opening stages of the match and took the game to their opponents almost as a Christmas treat for their fans and it was very much welcomed. AZ hadnt won at the AFAS Stadium since mid-September and a victory against high-flying FC Twente was certainly on Verbeeks festive wish list.

AZ chances
Frustratingly, a lack of efficiency from AZ resulted in a 0-0 stalemate at the interval but the home side certainly had chances to take the lead. FC Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker saved a Viktor Elm free kick, Berghuis missed an opportunity and a part bicycle kick from Adam Maher deflected off Douglas head and flew over the net.

FC Twente lead
Early in the second half, the visitors took the initiative when Tadic and Chadli combined in midfield with Chadli converting his chance through Nick Viergevers legs. Although AZ failed to respond immediately, they soon pressed and midfield starlet Maher sent striker Jozy Altidore through in front of goal but the American frontman missed. Markus Henriksen also had a shot that went just wide.

Game over
Despite AZs efforts, FC Twente widened the gap in the 75th minute and doubled the scoring when Tadic provided for Luc Castaignos who increased the lead to 2-0. The game was put further beyond AZ s doubt after Chadlis nicely chipped effort resulted in FC Twentes third and final goal.

It was the first time in ten years that FC Twente had walked away from the AFAS Stadium with all three points which left AZ supporters with very little Christmas cheer.

MATCH STATISTICS:

AZ FC Twente 0-3 (0-0)

Lineup AZ: Esteban; Dirk Marcellis, Etiënne Reijnen (79. Mattias Johansson), Nick Viergever, Giliano Wijnaldum; Adam Maher, Markus Henriksen, Viktor Elm; Roy Beerens (79. Johann Berg Gudmundsson), Jozy Altidore, Steven Berghuis (79. Ruud Boymans).
Lineup FC Twente: Sander Boschker; Roberto Rosales, Douglas, Bengtsson, Robbert Schilder; Wout Brama, Dusan Tadic, Leroy Fer (90. Denny Landzaat); Edwin Gyasi (62. Willem Janssen), Luc Castaignos, Nacer Chadli (84. Dmitry Bulykin).

Goals: 47. Chadli 0-1, 75. Castaignos 0-2, 82. Chadli 0-3.

Bookings: Reijnen (AZ), Tadic (FC Twente).

Sent-offs: -

Referee: Richard Liesveld
Attendance: 16.556