15 December 2021 at 17:00
Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar defeated Heracles 4:1. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2021. Goals were scored by V. Pavlidis 2′, J. Karlsson 39′, B. Başacıkoğlu 43′, J. Karlsson 76′, Y. Barasi 85′. 1 yellow cards were shown. AZ Alkmaar made 5 substitutions, Heracles made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and Heracles — 5 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: D. de Wit
assist: Y. Sugawara
assist: A. Szőke
assist: O. Wijndal
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under P. Jansen, while Heracles deployed a 4-3-3 under F. Wormuth.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 6.90, compared to — for Heracles. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. AZ Alkmaar's highest-rated starter is J. Clasie (6.90), while Heracles's best-rated player is —.
Defensive Solidity
AZ Alkmaar deploy 5 defenders rated — on average, against Heracles's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
AZ Alkmaar field 4 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Heracles's 3 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
AZ Alkmaar start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Heracles averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 53% for AZ Alkmaar and —% for Heracles. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
AZ Alkmaar's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Heracles. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of AZ Alkmaar's starting XI is 34.0 (youngest: J. Clasie (34), oldest: J. Clasie (34)), while Heracles average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
AZ Alkmaar's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 0 for Heracles. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: P. Jansen
Substitutes
Coach: F. Wormuth
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Heracles show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
Heracles
AZ Alkmaar vs Heracles Head to Head Results
AZ Alkmaar and Heracles have met 29 times — AZ Alkmaar won 22, Heracles won 5, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. AZ Alkmaar leads the head-to-head with 22 victories from 29 meetings. A combined 100 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.45 per match (70 for the home side, 30 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 16 matches (55%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 22 games (76%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–6 in 2016.
22
AZ Alkmaar
2
Drawn
5
Heracles
Recent Meetings (29)
API data: 16 Apr 2026