Having squandered the advantage in the first leg and losing 1-2, AZ Alkmaar did everything possible to reach the European cup final for the first time in 42 years. Unlike their opponents, Pascal Jansen’s team is enjoying a good domestic season and is still fighting hard to secure a top-three spot alongside Ajax. The resounding 5-1 victory over Emmen on Sunday served as perfect preparation for this match. AZ Alkmaar is the only team to have won two group stages in the Conference League, and only the best can confidently stand against them as they have maintained a flawless home record this season, winning all eight matches at their own stadium. Their record against English opponents on Dutch soil is impeccable, with the exception of one loss to Everton under the guidance of David Moyes in the 2007/08 season. Martins Indi and Westerveld will be unable to play today due to a knee injury.
David Moyes’ West Ham United suffered their fourth defeat in the last six official matches after a disappointing 0-2 loss to Brentford on Sunday. Perhaps the team can be forgiven for this setback as their status in the league is almost guaranteed for next season. Furthermore, the Hammers are potentially just 90 minutes away from their first major European final since 1976, but striker Michail Antonio has called for calm, stating that “it’s far from over” after their victory in the first leg against the Dutch side. Long-standing fans of the Hammers may recall two historic encounters against Dutch representatives, in which the London club progressed to the next stage, and now they have hopes for a third consecutive success. Today, Skamakka, Antonio, and Coufal will be unable to play due to a thigh injury.
