Match Summary
Athletic Club defeated AZ Alkmaar 2:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2024. Goals were scored by I. Williams 72′, Oihan Sancet 85′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Athletic Club had 55% possession while AZ Alkmaar held 45%. Athletic Club had 17 shots (7 on target) compared to 5 (2 on target) for AZ Alkmaar. Expected goals: Athletic Club 1.42 — AZ Alkmaar 0.37. Athletic Club made 4 substitutions, AZ Alkmaar made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Athletic Club and AZ Alkmaar — 2 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Nico Williams
Match Statistics
Athletic Club had 55% possession against AZ Alkmaar's 45%. Athletic Club registered 17 shots (7 on target) while AZ Alkmaar managed 5 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 4–1. Fouls committed: 7–12.
Lineups
Athletic Club lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Ernesto Valverde, while AZ Alkmaar deployed a 4-2-3-1 under M. Martens.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Athletic Club is 6.71, compared to 6.95 for AZ Alkmaar. 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. Athletic Club's highest-rated starter is Yuri (7.01), while AZ Alkmaar's best-rated player is S. Mijnans (7.07).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Athletic Club have contributed 12 goals and 10 assists this season, led by Nico Williams (4G). AZ Alkmaar's starters account for 24 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by T. Parrott (14G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Athletic Club deploy 4 defenders rated 6.80 on average, against AZ Alkmaar's 4-man backline averaging 6.90. 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
Athletic Club field 5 midfielders averaging 6.73, versus AZ Alkmaar's 5 rated 6.96. 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
Athletic Club start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for AZ Alkmaar averaging 7.05. 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 81% for Athletic Club and 78% for AZ Alkmaar. 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
Athletic Club's starters have collected 18 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for AZ Alkmaar. 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 Athletic Club's starting XI is 26.9 (youngest: Mikel Jauregizar (22), oldest: Yuri (35)), while AZ Alkmaar average 23.6 (youngest: R. Owusu-Oduro (21), oldest: P. Koopmeiners (25)). 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
Athletic Club's starters average 19 league appearances each, versus 24 for AZ Alkmaar. 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
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Athletic Club have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. AZ Alkmaar show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Athletic Club
AZ Alkmaar
API data: 15 Mar 2026