FC Twente beat AZ Alkmaar on Saturday evening in the Grolsch Veste to increase the gap to four points between the two sides. Manfred Ugalde was the hero for Joseph Oosting’s side, scoring twice after an early goal by Jens Odgaard had given the Alkmaarders the lead. The young Danish striker stuck a leg out to divert Mayckel Lahdo’s inch-perfect cross into the net after just three minutes played in the match. It was Odgaard’s first goal in 15 league matches this season.
AZ Alkmaar was given a harsh dose of reality on Thursday evening against Aston Villa in the UEFA Conference League. The Alkmaarders were beaten 1-4, as the class difference between the two sides was clear for all to see. Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins, and John Mcginn were the goalscorers for Aston Villa. Ibrahim Sadiq got the consolation goal for AZ.
The pressure on Maurice Steijn is building as Ajax lost again on Sunday. The Amsterdammers lost 1-2 to AZ in the Johan Cruijff arena to make it seven games without a win. They go into the international break 16th in the Eredivisie. Maurice Steijn did not have Steven Berghuis and Josip Sutalo at his disposal. Both players are not fit and were replaced in the starting lineup by Amourricho van Axel Dongen and Jakov Medic. Ex-Ajax player Riechedly Bazoer returned for the Alkmaarders and started at Centre-Back.