AZ vs Ajax

In the third round of the KNVB Beker, Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar will be aiming to secure their place in the next stage as they host Ajax at AFAS Stadion on Tuesday. This all-top-flight encounter sees the two teams, both with strong histories in Dutch football, vie for progression in the competition.

AZ Alkmaar progressed to this round after a dominant 3-1 victory over Eredivisie rivals Groningen on December 18, 2024. Their performance in the previous round showcased their strength and determination as they emerged victorious after a commanding display. Meanwhile, Ajax also secured their spot in this round, beating second-tier Telstar 2-0 on December 19, 2024. Both teams, having overcome solid opposition in the early rounds, will be eager to continue their respective cup runs and move a step closer to glory in the prestigious KNVB Beker.

Looking back at the recent history of these two clubs in the competition, AZ Alkmaar's most significant KNVB Beker achievement came in the 2012-13 season, when they won the tournament for the fourth time in their history. However, since that triumph, the club has been unable to replicate their success in the competition, and their most recent exit came in the quarter-final stage last season. In February 2024, they were eliminated by Feyenoord after a 2-0 defeat, a result that would have undoubtedly left head coach Maarten Martens disappointed. Nonetheless, the current AZ squad, with its mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents, will be looking to make amends and achieve further success in this year's edition of the KNVB Beker.

Martens will be especially keen to guide his team beyond the third round of the competition, as they look to end a trophy drought that has lasted since their last KNVB Beker win in 2013. Despite this, the club has consistently been competitive in the Eredivisie and in European competitions, demonstrating their ability to challenge for top honors. However, their domestic form this season has been somewhat inconsistent. As of now, AZ Alkmaar sits in sixth place in the Eredivisie standings with 33 points from 18 games, currently on track to finish the season with 62 points – three fewer than they managed in the previous campaign. This slight dip in their league form may be a concern for Martens, but it also provides an opportunity for the KNVB Beker to become a focal point of the team's season, offering a chance to secure silverware and build momentum.

One bright spot for AZ Alkmaar, however, has been their recent form. They enter this match unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, having won six of those encounters. The team's resilience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be key as they face Ajax, who remain one of the biggest challenges in Dutch football. AZ's recent successes have been partly due to their formidable form at home, with the team winning their last four matches at AFAS Stadion by a combined score of 7-2. The home support and their recent track record at the stadium will give them a boost as they aim to cause an upset against Ajax.

On the other side, Ajax's journey in the KNVB Beker has been far from straightforward in recent seasons. The club suffered a shock defeat in the 2023-24 edition of the competition, falling 3-2 to USV Hercules in the third round. This elimination came as part of a difficult campaign for the club, which saw multiple managerial changes. Maurice Steijn's dismissal and the hiring of a string of interim coaches left Ajax in a state of flux. However, the appointment of Francesco Farioli as head coach in the summer of 2024 has brought a sense of stability and direction. Farioli, the first foreign manager in the club’s history since Morten Olsen in the 1997-98 season, has managed to steady the ship after the turbulence of the previous campaign.

Ajax’s league form this season has shown significant improvement under Farioli's stewardship. The team currently sits in second place in the Eredivisie, with 42 points from 18 games, just four points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. If they continue their strong form, Ajax is on track to finish the season with 79 points, a vast improvement over the 56 points they managed last season. This resurgence has been built on a solid defensive foundation, with Ajax having won each of their last four matches in all competitions, conceding just once in the process and keeping three clean sheets. This strong defensive showing will be crucial as they face AZ, a team that will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses.

However, Ajax’s form away from home remains a bit of a concern. While they have been dominant on their home turf, their recent record on the road has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five away games. The inconsistent nature of their away performances means that they will need to be fully focused and committed if they are to overcome AZ Alkmaar in this cup tie. Farioli will need to ensure that his team plays with the same intensity and discipline away from home as they have in recent weeks, particularly when facing a team like AZ, which is dangerous in front of its home fans.

Both sides come into this encounter with contrasting histories in the KNVB Beker and varying levels of form, but each will be determined to make their mark. AZ Alkmaar will be motivated by the desire to end their trophy drought, while Ajax will be focused on continuing their impressive league form and making up for their previous cup disappointment. With both teams boasting talented squads and the competition’s rich history, this promises to be a thrilling and competitive clash, one that could go a long way in shaping the fortunes of both clubs in the remainder of the season.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere at AFAS Stadion is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans eager to see their teams progress to the next round. AZ Alkmaar, with their solid recent form and home advantage, will be looking to secure another win over Ajax, having triumphed 2-1 over their rivals in the Eredivisie just a few weeks earlier. However, Ajax, under Farioli’s guidance, will be keen to continue their resurgence and prove their credentials as one of the dominant forces in Dutch football. For both teams, this encounter represents not just a chance to advance in the KNVB Beker but also an opportunity to build momentum and confidence ahead of the remainder of the season. 

As the countdown to kickoff continues, the clash between AZ Alkmaar and Ajax stands as one of the most anticipated fixtures in this round of the KNVB Beker, promising high drama, excitement, and quality football. Fans of both clubs will be hoping their team can produce the performance necessary to advance, and in doing so, move one step closer to lifting the trophy.