The rivalry between West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar might not be a traditional one steeped in decades of history, but it has become a compelling matchup in European football competition.
This article explores their encounters, highlighting key moments that have shaped this emerging rivalry.
Early Meetings (1999-2006)
The first meeting between these two clubs occurred in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, a now-defunct tournament designed to qualify teams for the UEFA Cup (currently Europa League). Unfortunately, details of this encounter are scarce.
Another meeting occurred during the 2006-07 UEFA Cup group stage. West Ham, under the management of Alan Pardew, secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at Upton Park courtesy of goals from Carlos Tévez and Hayden Mullins. AZ Alkmaar, managed by Louis van Gaal, finished bottom of the group, failing to progress.
The Europa League Battleground (2016- Present)
The real spark in this rivalry ignited in the 2016-17 Europa League group stage. Both teams were placed in a competitive group alongside FC Astra Giurgiu (Romania) and Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia).
First Leg (September 2016): The opening encounter took place at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar. Slaven Bilić’s West Ham took the lead through Michail Antonio, but AZ Alkmaar fought back with an equalizer from Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The match ended in a pulsating 1-1 draw.
Second Leg (November 2016): The return fixture at the London Stadium witnessed a dominant display by West Ham. Simone Zaza and Diafra Sakho found the net, securing a crucial 2-0 victory for the Hammers. This win solidified West Ham’s position at the top of the group, eventually leading them to qualify for the knockout stages.
2016-17 Aftermath: West Ham’s European journey ended in the round of 16 against eventual champions Manchester United. AZ Alkmaar finished third in the group, failing to progress further.
Renewed Rivalry (2020): West Ham and AZ Alkmaar were reacquainted in the 2020-21 Europa League group stage. The Hammers, under David Moyes, secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home thanks to a second-half strike from Jarrod Bowen. The return leg in Alkmaar saw a more thrilling encounter.
West Ham raced to a 2-0 lead through goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Sebastien Haller, but AZ Alkmaar clawed their way back with two late goals from Fredrik Midtsjø and Oussama Idrissi. The match finished in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
2020-21 Aftermath: West Ham topped the group, progressing to the knockout stages where their journey ended in the semifinals against Eintracht Frankfurt. AZ Alkmaar finished third, dropping into the Europa Conference League where they were eliminated in the round of 16.
The Rivalry Takes Shape
These encounters have established a developing sense of rivalry between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar. Here’s what makes this matchup intriguing:
Competitive Balance: Both teams have displayed the ability to challenge each other, with each encounter producing close results. This back-and-forth nature keeps fans engaged.
European Stage: Their meetings have occurred in European competitions, adding a layer of importance and a chance to showcase themselves on a continental stage.
Fan Passion: While not a historical rivalry, both sets of fans create a vibrant atmosphere during these matches. The away support from both sides is noteworthy.
Looking Ahead
With both West Ham and AZ Alkmaar established as regulars in European competitions, the possibility of future clashes remains high. These encounters will likely add another chapter to this budding rivalry, further etching their names in the minds of European football fans.
FAQs
When was the first time West Ham and AZ Alkmaar played each other?
The first meeting took place in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, though specific details about the match are difficult to find.
Where can I find more information about these matches?
Here are some resources to delve deeper:
UEFA website: Check the competition sections for the specific Europa League seasons (2016-17, 2020-21) where West Ham and AZ Alkmaar were placed in the same group. You can find match reports, statistics, and lineups.
West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar official club websites: These websites might have archived news articles or match reports on these encounters.
Online sports news archives: Search engines can help you find archived news articles about these specific matches.
Is there a strong rivalry between these teams?
While not a historically deep rivalry, there’s a developing sense of competition between them. The close matches, European stage, and passionate fan bases contribute to this.
What’s the likelihood of future clashes between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar?
Both teams are regulars in European competitions, so the possibility of meeting again in the Europa League or a similar tournament is high.
When was the first time West Ham and AZ Alkmaar played each other?
The first meeting took place in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, though specific details about the match are difficult to find.
What was the most memorable match between these two teams?
Opinions will vary, but strong contenders include:
The thrilling 2-2 draw in the 2020-21 Europa League group stage where AZ Alkmaar fought back from a 2-0 deficit.
The crucial 2-0 victory for West Ham at home in the 2016-17 Europa League group stage, which helped them secure top spot in the group.
The timeline of encounters between West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar paints a picture of a rivalry in its early stages. While not steeped in decades of history, these clashes in the Europa League have established a compelling matchup between two ambitious clubs.
The competitive balance, European stage, and passionate fan support create a captivating dynamic whenever these teams meet. Each encounter has been close and dramatic, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this burgeoning rivalry.
As both West Ham and AZ Alkmaar continue to establish themselves in European football, their paths are likely to cross again. These future clashes will undoubtedly add more layers to this rivalry, offering fans thrilling contests and etching their names further into the hearts of European football enthusiasts.
The story of West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as captivating as the previous ones.
To read more, Click here
