Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar defeated IF Elfsborg 3:2. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2024. Goals were scored by T. Ouma 23′, R. van Bommel 44′, R. van Bommel 50′, S. Hedlund 53′, T. Parrott 74′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. AZ Alkmaar had 66% possession while IF Elfsborg held 34%. AZ Alkmaar had 16 shots (9 on target) compared to 3 (2 on target) for IF Elfsborg. Expected goals: AZ Alkmaar 2.70 — IF Elfsborg 0.14. AZ Alkmaar made 4 substitutions, IF Elfsborg made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Ahmed Qasem 12′).
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and IF Elfsborg — 5 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Hedlund
assist: T. Ouma
Penalty
Match Statistics
AZ Alkmaar had 66% possession against IF Elfsborg's 34%. AZ Alkmaar registered 16 shots (9 on target) while IF Elfsborg managed 3 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 7–0. Fouls committed: 12–15.
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under M. Martens, while IF Elfsborg deployed a 3-4-3 under O. Hiljemark.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 6.90, compared to 7.02 for IF Elfsborg. 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 S. Mijnans (7.07), while IF Elfsborg's best-rated player is I. Pettersson (7.02).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AZ Alkmaar have contributed 26 goals and 9 assists this season, led by T. Parrott (14G). IF Elfsborg's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
AZ Alkmaar deploy 4 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against IF Elfsborg's 3-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 5 midfielders averaging 6.85, versus IF Elfsborg's 4 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 7.05, compared to 3 for IF Elfsborg 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 78% for AZ Alkmaar and —% for IF Elfsborg. 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 18 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for IF Elfsborg. 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 23.8 (youngest: R. Owusu-Oduro (21), oldest: P. Koopmeiners (25)), while IF Elfsborg average 24.3 (youngest: T. Ouma (21), oldest: I. Pettersson (28)). 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 23 league appearances each, versus 11 for IF Elfsborg. 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
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. IF Elfsborg show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
IF Elfsborg
API data: 15 Mar 2026