AZ has also won the second Eredivisie match of the new season. Against RKC Waalwijk, coach Pascal Janssen’s team was still 1-0 behind, but after the break the Alkmaarders completely turned the score around: 3-1. Vangelis Pavlidis was important with two goals and an assist. Dani de Wit scored the other goal on behalf of the away team. Michiel Kramer was accurate from the spot for RKC. Thanks to the victory, AZ remains the leader of the Eredivisie.
The first big chance of the match was spent by the home side. Denilho Cleonise went alone towards the goalkeeper, but was knocked off balance by Riechedly Bazoer and ran into goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. AZ also made itself heard in the twentieth minute. Vangelis Pavlidis got the ball back on the edge of the sixteen-meter area. However, his shot was much too soft and could be picked up by the RKC keeper.
After half an hour of play, RKC midfielder Yassin Oukili hit the bar, but off his own goal. He suddenly got the ball from a corner kick on his shoulder and was released with a fright. Just before the break, RKC took the lead somewhat surprisingly. De Wit got a ball shot on his arm and thus caused a penalty. The penalty kick was hit hard by Kramer. Even before tea, the Waalwijkers were even close to 2-0. Cleonise went for Ryan, but the Australian goalkeeper made another great save.
AZ equalized early in the second half. Pavlidis lashed out from the edge of the penalty area. His attempt was touched by Dario van den Buijs, which put Etienne Vaessen on the wrong foot: 1-1. Five minutes later, De Wit completely canceled out the RKC goal. Pavlidis slalomed past a number of defenders and pulled back on De Wit, who finished off the chance: 1-2. After the second Alkmaar goal, AZ also took a 3-1 lead moments later. Substitute Ernest Poku put the ball back to Pavlidis, who easily scored his second goal of the game from close range.