AZ Vs Elfsborg

AZ Alkmaar is set to welcome Swedish outfit Elfsborg to the Netherlands for the opening matchday of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday. The hosts, currently in fantastic form at the start of their domestic campaign, are eager to make a statement in Europe. Meanwhile, Elfsborg comes into this fixture with their domestic season approaching its climax and plenty left to play for in both competitions.

AZ Alkmaar, a club with a rich history in Dutch football, has capitalized on a below-par season from Ajax to secure another top-four finish in the Eredivisie. Although they narrowly missed out on third place, which would have earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, their fourth-place finish guaranteed them direct entry into the group stages of the Europa League. This achievement has allowed manager Maarten Martens to focus solely on domestic fixtures during the early stages of the new season, and his team has taken full advantage of this rare luxury.

AZ's start to the 2024-25 Eredivisie campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. With six matches played, they remain unbeaten, and their only dropped points came in a goalless draw away at Groningen. PSV Eindhoven's perfect start to the season is the only thing preventing AZ from sitting atop the league table. However, their form suggests that they are well-positioned to challenge for the title as the season progresses.

In recent weeks, AZ has shown their attacking prowess. Following two consecutive 1-0 victories to begin the season, the Dutch side has shifted gears, finding the back of the net with regularity. They returned from the international break in stunning fashion, recording a dominant 9-1 victory over Heerenveen. The result sent shockwaves through Dutch football, showcasing the attacking depth within the squad.

However, their most recent match was a more closely contested affair. In preparation for their Europa League opener, AZ secured a 2-1 victory away at Zwolle, a result that kept their impressive domestic run intact. This latest win further cemented their status as one of the most in-form teams in the country and sets them up nicely for their European challenge.

The last time AZ competed in the Europa League was in the 2020-21 season when they were eliminated during the group stages. That campaign was part of a broader run of disappointing results in Europe's secondary competition, with AZ managing just two victories in their previous 10 Europa League outings. Furthermore, the club has endured some painful memories in this competition, most notably their humiliating 11-2 aggregate defeat to Lyon in the Round of 16 in 2017. The 7-1 loss in the second leg of that tie still lingers as one of AZ's most embarrassing European nights.

However, AZ’s recent European adventures have come in the UEFA Conference League, where they enjoyed a more positive spell. In the 2022-23 season, they reached the semi-finals of the competition, a run that brought some much-needed European success to the club. Unfortunately, last season's attempt in the same competition ended in disappointment as AZ was knocked out during the group stage.

Now back in the Europa League, AZ will face Swedish opposition for the first time in the form of Elfsborg. Historically, the Dutch club has fared well against teams from Sweden, having lost only once in six previous meetings with Swedish sides.

Elfsborg, meanwhile, return to European competition proper for the first time in over a decade. Their last foray into continental football came in the 2013-14 Europa League, where they endured a tough campaign. On that occasion, the Swedish side managed just one point from their opening five matches, resulting in an early exit from the group stage.

The Europa League draw has not been kind to Elfsborg this time either. According to UEFA’s coefficient rankings, they have been handed one of the toughest groups in the competition. They will face European heavyweights like AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur from pot one, along with formidable opposition such as Galatasaray, Nice, and Athletic Bilbao from the lower pots. It’s a daunting prospect for any team, let alone one that has spent more than a decade outside of Europe’s elite competitions.

Oscar Hiljemark, the Elfsborg manager, will be no stranger to Dutch football, having spent two years playing in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven. His knowledge of the Dutch game could prove invaluable as he prepares his side for this challenging group. Domestically, Elfsborg has been in excellent form, losing just once in their last 19 matches. This impressive run has put them in contention for a top-three finish in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top football division, which would secure them European football once again next season.

However, the start of their season was far from ideal. Elfsborg struggled during the early months, but they have since turned things around. With just six games remaining in their domestic campaign, the club is only three points behind the top three, a remarkable achievement considering their position at the halfway point of the season. Their recovery has been driven by a series of solid performances and a resolute defense, which has conceded few goals in recent matches.

Their most recent domestic outing ended in a 0-0 draw with Hammarby, a result that kept them firmly in the race for a top-three finish. However, as the Allsvenskan draws to a close, the added distraction of European football could present a challenge for Hiljemark’s squad. Balancing the demands of two competitions may prove difficult, especially given the strength of the teams they will face in the Europa League group stage.

Elfsborg’s European adventure this season will be a test of their resilience and squad depth. Manager Oscar Hiljemark may be tempted to prioritize domestic success over European ambitions, but reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League would be a significant achievement for the Swedish club.

For AZ Alkmaar, two young stars have been key to their impressive start to the season: Ruben van Bommel and Mexx Meerdink. Van Bommel, the son of former Dutch international Mark van Bommel, has shown maturity beyond his years, delivering crucial performances in AZ’s attacking midfield. His creativity and vision make him a vital cog in Martens’ side, while his ability to score important goals has made him a fan favorite at the AFAS Stadion.

Meerdink, on the other hand, is the team’s main goal threat. The young forward has been in fine form this season, leading the line with confidence and finishing ability. His partnership with Van Bommel has been a key factor in AZ’s attacking success, and the duo will be crucial to their chances of progressing in the Europa League.

For Elfsborg, Simon Olsson has been a standout performer this season. The Swedish midfielder has been the driving force behind his team’s resurgence, providing both defensive stability and creative flair in the middle of the park. His ability to dictate the tempo of games and contribute with goals and assists will be vital if Elfsborg is to compete with the likes of AZ in Europe.

Another player to watch for Elfsborg is their captain, Johan Larsson. The experienced defender has been a rock at the back for Hiljemark’s side, organizing the defense and leading by example on the pitch. His leadership and experience will be essential as Elfsborg navigate the challenges of the Europa League group stage.

In terms of tactics, AZ Alkmaar are expected to dominate possession and play an attacking brand of football, as they have done in the Eredivisie this season. Martens has implemented a system that emphasizes quick transitions and high pressing, allowing his team to win the ball back quickly and exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense. This style of play has brought AZ great success domestically, and they will look to replicate it in Europe.

Elfsborg, on the other hand, are likely to adopt a more conservative approach. Given the strength of their group, Hiljemark may choose to set his team up to defend deeply and hit their opponents on the counter-attack. This strategy has worked well for them in the Allsvenskan, where they have been able to absorb pressure and strike on the break with lethal efficiency.

As AZ Alkmaar and Elfsborg prepare to face off in the Europa League, both teams will be eager to get their campaigns off to a positive start. For AZ, a win on home soil is essential if they are to progress from the group stage and make a deep run in the competition. Meanwhile, Elfsborg will be looking to defy the odds and take something from this tough away fixture as they aim to make their mark on the European stage once again. With both teams in fine domestic form, this promises to be an intriguing and closely contested encounter.