The first leg in Belgium last week ended 2-0 in favour of Anderlecht thanks to goals from Michael Amir Murillo and Majeed Ashimeru.
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Anderlecht will be bidding to seal their place in the semi-finals of UEFA Europa Conference League when they travel to AFAS Stadion on Thursday to take on AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. The first leg in Belgium last week ended 2-0 in favour of Anderlecht thanks to goals from Michael Amir Murillo and Majeed Ashimeru. Although AZ created decent number of goal-scoring chances, they were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal. Meanwhile, the Dutch outfit bounced back with a dominant 3-0 win over Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie on Sunday, while Purple & White are heading into the match on the back of a 5-2 Belgian Pro League-defeat against Genk.
😤 All or nothing. #AZ #azand #UECL pic.twitter.com/5OyZqDdyzF
— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) April 20, 2023
AZ secured all three points against Fortuna Sittard thanks to goals from Jens Odgaard, Milos Kerkez and Vangelis Pavidis. It was the Cheeseheads’ 17th league-win of the season and they are currently occupying fourth spot in the Dutch top flight standings, having collected 57 points from 29 games. Although Pascal Jansen’s men have managed just one win from their last five matches in all competitions, recording one draw and three defeats in the process, Sunday’s success win will give them confidence ahead of the crucial second leg. Including the qualifiers, the Cheese Farmers have won 12 of their 15 Europa Conference League games this term, scoring at least two goals in 10 of those victories.
Anderlecht, on the other hand, overcame pre-tournament favourites Villarreal in the last-16 stage to reach this far in Europe’s third tier competition. But the Purple-Whites are not having a great domestic season, having taken just 46 points from 33 games, to be languishing at the tenth spot in the Belgian Pro League standings. Brian Riemer’s side suffered their 13th league-defeat of the season against leaders Genk on Sunday, despite that fact that Islam Slimani and Anders Dreyer found the back of the net at Cegeka Arena. Prior to that, Anderlecht recorded a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, while winning six matches and keeping as many clean sheets in the process.
AZ Alkmaar probable starting lineup: Ryan, Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez, Reijnders, Clasie, Odgaard, Mijnans, Van Brederode, Pavlidis
Anderlecht probable starting lineup: Verbruggen, Murillo, Debast, Vertonghen, N’Diaye, Diawara, Ashimeru, Refaelov, Dreyer, Slimani, Amuzu
AZ Alkmaar
| Opponents | Score |
| Sittard | 0-3 (W) |
| Anderlecht | 2-0 (L) |
| Sparta Rotterdam | 0-1 (L) |
| Heerenveen | 1-1 (D) |
| Twente | 2-1 (L) |
Anderlecht
| Opponents | Score |
| Genk | 5-2 (L) |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2-0 (W) |
| Westerlo | 0-0 (D) |
| Eupen | 0-1 (W) |
| Leuven | 0-2 (W) |
| Last 5 match-results | Score |
| Anderlecht beat AZ Alkmaar | 2-0 |
| AZ Alkmaar draw Anderlecht | 1-1 |
| AZ Alkmaar beat Anderlecht | 0-1 |
| AZ Alkmaar beat Anderlecht | 1-0 |
| AZ Alkmaar beat Anderlecht | 2-1 |
The Europa Conference League match between AZ Alkmaar and Anderlecht will take place at AFAS Stadion on Thursday at 10:15 pm IST
| AZ Alkmaar vs Anderlecht | Key Details |
| Date | April 20 |
| Venue | AFAS Stadion |
| Kickoff time in Netherlands | 6:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in Belgium | 6:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 10:15 pm |
Football fans in Belgium can catch the live action via Sporza and Tipik, while those in Netherlands can watch the match on ESPN 2, Veronica TV and Watch ESPN.
