In the opening weekend of the Eredivisie, AZ delighted their supporters with a flourishing 3-1 victory over visiting PSV at Alkamaar’s AFAS Stadion.

With firm eyes on improving upon last years fourth place finish, Gertjan Verbeek’s side took the lead at the twenty-six minute as former PSV man Dirk Marcellis delivered a cross from the right by-line to the back post that Maarten Martens blistered a beautiful volley to the roof of the net. Applying petrol, AZ extended their margin four minute shy of the break as Nick Viergever sent a probing effort from twenty-five metres that ripped through the mitts of PSV ‘keeper Andreas Isaksson and did not stop until nestling in the net. Down by two, PSV quickly stirred with Dries Mertens, in his first league appearance for Fred Rutten’s side with a drive from twelve metres.

Five minutes past the hour, the AZ tactician summoned Jozy Altidore in for Ruud Boymans and it would pay large dividends quickly. Coming with ten minutes remaining in regulation time the mercurial attacker, ex of the New York Red Bulls, nodded in Adam Maher’s cross from the right by-line. Two minutes later Niklas Moisander was sent off with his second yellow-card and after seeing goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado turn aside a late effort, AZ claimed the 2-0 victory.

Prepared by John Davies
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