The English outfit came from behind to secure a 2-1 win in the first leg at London Stadium last week thanks to second-half goals from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio.
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AZ Alkmaar will host West Ham United in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final tie at AFAS Stadion on Thursday night. The English outfit came from behind to secure a 2-1 win in the first leg at London Stadium last week. Said Benrahma’s 67th-minute penalty kick canceled out Tijjani Reijnder’s first-half opener before Michail Antonio scored the winner 15 minutes from time. However, three days later, the Hammers suffered a 2-0 Premier League-defeat away to Brentford, while the hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 5-1 victory over FC Emmen in the Eredivisie.
One step away from our first European final in 47 years 🏆
COME ON YOU IRONS! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/byq51RmX4Y
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 18, 2023
AZ Alkmaar secured their 19th league-win of the season against FC Emmen last time out thanks to Sam Beukema’s brace and one goal each from Sven Mijnas, Myron van Brederode and Jordy Clasie. As of now, Cheeseheads are occupying fourth spot in the Dutch top flight standings, having collected 64 points from 32 games. Meanwhile, the Cheese Farmers reached this far in Europe’s third tier competition courtesy of overcoming the likes of Lazio and Anderlecht in the knockout stages after securing top spot in Group E. Pascal Jansen’s side bounced back from a 2-0 defeat to draw level on aggregate before prevailing 4-1 on penalties in the quarter-final tie against Anderlecht. AZ are heading into the match on the back of a three consecutive wins across all competitions at AFAS Stadion, and they have an impressive home-record in European competition, winning 17 and drawing eight of their last 25.
West Ham, on the other hand, are in driving seat to reach their first European final since 1976. The Hammers thrashed Gent 5-2 on aggregate in the last eight stage of the Conference League and are the only team yet to lose in Europe’s third tier tournament this season, putting together a 13-game unbeaten run. However, the London club are struggling in the Premier League, having suffered their 19th top flight defeat of the season last time out against the Bees at Gtech Community Stadium. As of now, David Moyes’s side are languishing at the 15th spot in the Premier League table, having collected 37 points from 36 games, six points clear of the relegation zone. But with just two games remaining, the Hammers have all but secured their English top tier status for at least one more season. Meanwhile, their only way to secure a European spot next season is through lifting the Conference League title.
AZ Alkmaar probable starting lineup: Ryan, Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez, Clasie, Reijnders, Odgaard, Mijnans, Van Brederode, Pavlidis
West Ham United probable starting lineup: Areola, Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma, Antonio
AZ Alkmaar
| Opponents | Score |
| FC Emmen | 5-1 (W) |
| West Ham | 2-1 (L) |
| Ajax | 0-0 (D) |
| Waalwijk | 3-0 (W) |
| Anderlecht | 3-0 (W) |
West Ham United
| Opponents | Score |
| Brentford | 2-0 (L) |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2-1 (W) |
| Manchester United | 1-0 (W) |
| Manchester City | 3-0 (L) |
| Crystal Palace | 4-3 (L) |
| Last match-result | Score |
| West Ham beat AZ Alkmaar | 2-1 |
The second leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final toe between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United will take place at AFAS Stadion on Friday at 12:30 am IST.
| AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham | Key Details |
| Date | May 18 (Netherlands) |
| Venue | AFAS Stadion |
| Kickoff time in Netherlands | 9:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in UK | 8:00 pm (Thursday) |
Football fans in Netherlands can catch the live action via Veronica TV and ESPN network. Meanwhile, those in UK can watch the match on BT Sport network and Talk Sport 2 Radio UK.
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