AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Valencia CF

Mestalla will decide the fate of Valencia in the Europa League after suffering a loss in Holland by the minimum.

Valencia had begun the game with great chances in the opening ten minutes. Soldado almost scored in the seventh minute after Alvarado played a pass to his defender who was pressured by an oncoming Soldado who then fumbled it giving the Spanish number nine a chance at goal. Soldado tried to get a clear shot but could not find it and his effort was off. Three minutes later Jordi Alba had an opportunity after Mathieu ran the left flank for a cross which Feghouli set up for Jordi Alba letting it pass through his legs. The left winger had a shot on goal but it was blocked.

Valencia was great on their counter attacks and began to pressure even more.

Valencia began to get into a good rhythm with passes and attacks. Alkmaar had their chances as well. Right before halftime, they slotted in the first from a corner kick, Holman got the ball and shot it to the upper right corner resulting in the 1-0.

Valencia started the second half with great momentum. Mehmet Topal scored the equalizer in the 49th minute from Ricardo Costa’s cross. The Turk did well to hit the ball in air with his head hitting the bottom corner. Valencia had regained their hopes.

Valencia could have had a penalty in the 52nd minute after Barragán was brought down, but the referee did not call it. About four minutes later Soldado was close to scoring again, but hit the woodwork. Another great attack came in from the left side with Mathieu passing to Jonas who had a good chance to score, but could not lose a defender and forced a shot which was weak and inaccurate.

Martens scored the winner in the 78th minute after Alkmaar gained possession and ran down the left flank with ease to pass to Martens who just had to finish it with a one touch shot high over Alves.

Alkmaar heated up the game with more attacks against a Valencia whose defense was very weak. Valencia had a couple of more chances but did not convert them. The result is not bad, Valencia have an away goal and must win at home for a chance to get to the semi-finals.

AZ Alkmaar: Esteban, Marcellis, Gudmundsson, Maher, Martens, Klavan, Poulsen, Altidore (Michelson, min. 76), Elm, Moisander and Holman.

Valencia CF: Alves, Topal, Feghouli (Jonas, min. 64), Soldado, Barragán, Dealbert, Jordi Alba, Pablo, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu (Piatti, min. 76) and Tino Costa.