News
AZ Alkmaar

Only two players are missing for the hosts, days after losing the KNVB Beker final to Go Ahead Eagles on penalties.
Kristijan Belic and Sem Westerveld are both injured, with head coach Maarten Martens potentially making changes after Monday's game went into extra time.
The likes of centre-back Maxim Dekker, full-back Denso Kasius, central midfielder Zico Buurmeester, forward Ibrahim Sadiq, and striker Mexx Meerdink are pushing for starts, though Troy Parrott is expected to lead AZ's attack once again.
He has been irreplaceable for AZ this season. He leads the club with 14 goals, which is the second-highest in the league's scoring charts in 2024/25; seven of those were the crucial first goal of the match.
NAC Breda

Three players are missing for NAC Breda this week. Dion Versluis and Boyd Lucassen are ruled out through respective injuries, while Jan Van den Bergh is suspended.
Belgian centre-back and NAC captain Van den Bergh reached the yellow card threshold last time out in Breda's home draw with Go Ahead Eagles, meaning head coach Carl Hoefkens is forced to make at least one change, with Terence Kongolo expected to come into the lineup.
Another option is moving Cherrion Valerius from wing-back into his natural centre-back position, with Maxime Busi filling that vacant role.
Others pushing for a start include attacking midfielder Dominik Janosek and centre-forward Sydney van Hooijdonk.
NAC Breda's leading lights in attack have been Elias Már Omarsson—who is expected to lead the line once again—and Leo Sauer, who have scored seven and six times, respectively.
LIVE Text Commentary
90+9'

That's it for today, Martin van den Kerkhof has blown his whistle and the game is over.
90+7'

What a goal that is! Seiya Maikuma sends a brilliant cross into the box and Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar) scores a stunning bicycle kick goal! Wow, take a bow gentlemen. 1:1.
90+6'

It's time for a substitution. That's the last involvement from Kamal Sowah as he is replaced by Raul Paula (NAC Breda).
90+6'

AZ Alkmaar quickly take a corner kick with a short pass.
90+5'

Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away. AZ Alkmaar have been awarded a corner kick.
90+5'

Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away.
90+4'

Martin van den Kerkhof blows the whistle, Kamal Sowah (NAC Breda) is penalised for a foul.
90+1'

Substitution. Leo Sauer leaves the pitch and is replaced by Sydney van Hooijdonk (NAC Breda).
90+1'

Dominik Janosek (NAC Breda) gets a yellow card, off the field.
90+1'

Carl Hoefkens has decided to substitute Cherrion Valerius and he is replaced by Casper Staring (NAC Breda).
90

6 additional min. will be played.
90'

Ernest Poku (AZ Alkmaar) expertly controls the pass inside the penalty area and shoots, but it's inadvertently blocked a defender.
87'

A cross from Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) fails to reach the box as the defence clears the ball away to safety.
87'

Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar) latches onto a lofted pass on the edge of the six-yard box, but powers a header just over the bar.
85'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge.
84'

Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) fizzes over a cross which doesn't cause any problems.
83'

Substitution. Maxime Busi (NAC Breda) receives a signal from the referee and is now allowed to enter the pitch as Elias Mar Omarsson walks off.
83'

The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Fredrik Oldrup Jensen (NAC Breda) is coming onto the pitch as Clint Leemans cannot continue after picking up an injury.
82'

Maarten Martens has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Ernest Poku (AZ Alkmaar) replacing David Moller Wolfe.
81'

Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) latches onto a rebound and hits a long-range effort that flies well over the bar.
80'

Great solo effort by Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar) as he tricks his way through two defenders before firing a drive from just outside of the box towards the left side of the goal. The goalkeeper is ready and produces a stunning save.
80'

Kamal Sowah (NAC Breda) sends a teasing cross into the area, but Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro intercepts the ball.
79'

A sweet pass finds Mayckel Lahdo (AZ Alkmaar) on the edge of the box, and he drills the ball towards the bottom left corner. Daniel Bielica is almost caught out but pulls off a brilliant save at the last second.
78'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge.
75'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) jumped highest inside the box to meet a perfectly executed corner kick by Clint Leemans. His header was precise and ended up inside the right post, leaving the goalkeeper flapping in the wind. The score is 0:1.
75'

The ball goes out of play. NAC Breda are awarded a corner kick.
74'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) receives a good pass and from just outside the box he unleashes a promising strike, but the shot is blocked by the defender. It will be a corner kick for NAC Breda.
73'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) takes the corner, but the opposition's defence is ready and clears the ball to safety.
73'

AZ Alkmaar keep the ball well and push forward with purpose, but here comes an interception from the opposition. Good work from AZ Alkmaar as they win a corner.
73'

The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Peer Koopmeiners departs the field of play to be replaced by Seiya Maikuma (AZ Alkmaar).
72'

What an opportunity! Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar) wastes a huge chance as he latches on to a perfect pass and produces a first-time blast from point blank range. It goes towards the middle of the goal, but Daniel Bielica reacts superbly to keep the ball out.
71'

The foul by Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) was seen by Martin van den Kerkhof who didn't hesitate to blow the whistle.
70'

Martin van den Kerkhof blows his whistle and it's Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar) who is penalised for an offensive foul. Good decision by the referee.
68'

Boy Kemper (NAC Breda) has to be very careful for the rest of the match after receiving a yellow card from the referee for a bad tackle on an opponent.
67'

Here comes a substitution. Zico Buurmeester is given a rest as he is replaced by Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar).
67'

Maarten Martens decides to make a substitution. Ibrahim Sadiq will be replaced by Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar).
67'

Here comes a substitution. Mayckel Lahdo (AZ Alkmaar) is brought on as a substitute for Ruben van Bommel.
66'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) took a first-time shot from mid-range after he was put in the clear by a great pass, but the effort lacked a little accuracy and went just wide of the left post.
65'

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar) commits a minor foul to interrupt the attacking move of his opponent and is warned by the referee that he will get a yellow card if he does it again.
65'

A pass by Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) ends up in no man's land, and the attacking effort comes to an end.
64'

Zico Buurmeester (AZ Alkmaar) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away.
60'

Half-chance! Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) plays a pass into the box, but Daniel Bielica reacts well to snuff out the attack.
59'

Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) dinks a cross into the box in an attempt to find one of his teammates, but the defence manages to clear.
59'

Ibrahim Sadiq (AZ Alkmaar) seems to be alright and is okay to carry on.
58'

Ibrahim Sadiq (AZ Alkmaar) is down injured and the referee stops play so that he can receive medical treatment.
56'

Boy Kemper (NAC Breda) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch.
55'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) sends over a cross from the side into the penalty area in order to find one of his teammates, but he fails and the opportunity goes begging.
54'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) sends a wonderful cross from the corner kick. However, the defence works perfectly to clear the ball and avert the threat.
53'

Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) tries to slide the ball through to a teammate but it's well blocked by a defender. The ball is out of play and the linesman points at the corner flag. Corner to AZ Alkmaar.
52'

Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar) beats his marker and unleashes a thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of the box. Daniel Bielica sees the ball late but does well to stop it going into the bottom right corner.
51'

Enes Mahmutovic (NAC Breda) trips an opposition player and Martin van den Kerkhof signals a foul. Another situation results in a direct free kick for AZ Alkmaar.
51'

Zico Buurmeester (AZ Alkmaar) sends a quick through ball into space for his teammate who is lurking close to the offside line, but one of the defenders intercepts and clears the danger.
49'

The resulting corner from Clint Leemans (NAC Breda) is cleared.
48'

Elias Mar Omarsson (NAC Breda) connected with a pass around the edge of the box, aimed and shot. His attempt went towards the right-hand post, but Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro was alert and the score remains the same. The referee blows his whistle, NAC Breda are awarded a corner kick.
48'

A cross into the box from Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) is cleared.
47'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) steps up to take the corner. He launches the ball into the penalty area, but it only finds the head of an opposing player who clears the danger.
47'

Having seen unsporting behavior, Martin van den Kerkhof shows a yellow card to one of the players sitting on the bench. And Dominik Janosek (NAC Breda) is the recipient.
47'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) takes the corner but only sends it into a huddle of the defenders and one of them makes a good clearance. The linesman makes the right call and AZ Alkmaar will have a corner.
46'

Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) reacts well to get to the rebound and takes a shot from the edge of the box, but he fails to get the ball through the players standing between him and the goal. The ball is out of play and AZ Alkmaar manage to earn a corner.
46'

The players are back out on the pitch following the half-time break and the second half is about to start.
45+2'

Martin van den Kerkhof has ended the first half by blowing the whistle.
45+2'

The resulting corner, taken by Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar), comes to nothing.
45+1'

Denso Kasius (AZ Alkmaar) sends a lofted cross into the penalty area. Unfortunately for him, the opponent's defence deals with his cross comfortably and intercepts it. The linesman points to the corner flag, AZ Alkmaar are going to take it.
45

1 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
45'

It could have been a good chance to score! Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) fails to release Mexx Meerdink with a through ball as the defence is alert and clears.
43'

Ibrahim Sadiq (AZ Alkmaar) trips an opponent with a slide tackle. Martin van den Kerkhof stops the game and he could give him a card, but eventually decides on just a warning.
41'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) runs onto a good long pass and tries his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort flies high over the bar.
41'

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) decides to take a short corner instead of crossing into the box.
40'

Zico Buurmeester (AZ Alkmaar) tries to send a pass but it's blocked. The ball goes behind for a corner. AZ Alkmaar will have an opportunity to threaten the opposition's goal.
40'

A fantastic block by a defender means that the corner from NAC Breda comes to nothing.
39'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) slaloms his way past challenges, but an opposing player does well to get the ball away. The ball goes out of play and NAC Breda have been awarded a corner kick.
38'

The ball is cleared after Boy Kemper (NAC Breda) attempted to dribble past an opposing player.
36'

Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) commits a foul and Martin van den Kerkhof immediately signals a free kick.
33'

Penetra (AZ Alkmaar) sends a promising through ball, but the defence is alert and cuts out the pass.
30'

Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar) produces a poor pass. He attempts to get the ball into the box but it's hacked away.
29'

A dangerous looking corner kick from Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar) is cleared to safety by the defence.
29'

A through ball from Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar) fails to reach Zico Buurmeester as one of the defending players reacts brilliantly to intercept the effort. If the pass had been produced a little bit earlier, Zico Buurmeester could have got into a promising position. AZ Alkmaar win a corner.
27'

A free kick is awarded from a very dangerous distance. It's situated just a few metres from outside the box. Several players gather around the ball, but it seems like Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) is going to have a crack himself.
23'

Elias Mar Omarsson (NAC Breda) dances his way past two defending players and gets to the edge of the box from where he unleashes a shot that goes well over the bar.
20'

Kamal Sowah (NAC Breda) fails to find any of his teammates inside the box as his pass is blocked.
19'

David Moller Wolfe (AZ Alkmaar) sends a pass into the box, but his attempt is thwarted and cleared.
18'

David Moller Wolfe (AZ Alkmaar) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him.
17'

A promising cross into the box is nearly received by the lurking Cherrion Valerius (NAC Breda), but one of the defending players cuts it out to avert the threat.
14'

Good movement by Penetra (AZ Alkmaar), but he can't find any of his teammates as the cross is poor.
12'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) unleashes a shot, but his effort is poor and floats high over the bar.
12'

Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) takes the corner, but it's intercepted by the defender.
11'

David Moller Wolfe (AZ Alkmaar) attempts to find his teammate with a pass from outside the box, but the opposition's defence is quick to react and thwarts the attack. The referee and his assistant both point at the corner flag. AZ Alkmaar will have an opportunity to threaten the opposition's goal.
10'

AZ Alkmaar have a chance to score from a corner kick, but the ball is cleared by a defender.
10'

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar) gets on the end of a pass and takes a shot from the edge of the box, but it's blocked by one of the defending players. The referee and one of his assistants signal for a corner kick to AZ Alkmaar.
9'

The defence is alert as they clear a dangerous cross from Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar).
8'

Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar) once again attempts to send a defence-splitting pass, but the opposition's defence is alert and intercepts the ball. The referee and the linesman both signal a throw-in for AZ Alkmaar.
6'

Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar) volleys the ball from just outside the box, but his effort goes narrowly over the bar.
4'

Leo Greiml (NAC Breda) fouls an opponent. At least that's what referee Martin van den Kerkhof signals. That's a free kick to AZ Alkmaar.
3'

Another attempt to send the ball beyond the defence by Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar) is thwarted and cleared to safety.
1'

Leo Greiml (NAC Breda) connects with the corner kick around the penalty spot, but steers his header just wide of the left post.
1'

The ball is out of play. NAC Breda will have a chance to score from a corner.
1'

Leo Sauer (NAC Breda) produces a dangerous low pass into the penalty area, but the defence manage to cut it out.
1'

The first half has started.

NAC Breda will kick-off.

Martin van den Kerkhof is introduced as the referee for today's match.

Welcome to our live text coverage. We will try to provide you with a detailed image of what's happening on the pitch. There are only few moments left to the beginning of the match.