Match Summary
AZ Alkmaar defeated Galatasaray 4:1. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2024. Goals were scored by S. Mijnans 12′, R. Sallai 20′, T. Parrott 37′ (pen.), J. Clasie 57′, D. Møller Wolfe 66′. 6 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. AZ Alkmaar had 55% possession while Galatasaray held 45%. AZ Alkmaar had 17 shots (9 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Galatasaray. Expected goals: AZ Alkmaar 3.65 — Galatasaray 0.52. AZ Alkmaar made 5 substitutions, Galatasaray made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray — 5 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: E. Poku
Match Statistics
AZ Alkmaar had 55% possession against Galatasaray's 45%. AZ Alkmaar registered 17 shots (9 on target) while Galatasaray managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 7–1. Fouls committed: 12–12.
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under M. Martens, while Galatasaray deployed a 3-4-1-2 under O. Buruk.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 6.84, compared to 7.01 for Galatasaray. 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 Galatasaray's best-rated player is Gabriel Sara (7.28).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AZ Alkmaar have contributed 24 goals and 9 assists this season, led by T. Parrott (14G). Galatasaray's starters account for 12 goals and 16 assists, spearheaded by B. Yılmaz (6G). 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 Galatasaray's 3-man backline averaging 7.24. 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 6.74, versus Galatasaray's 4 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
AZ Alkmaar start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.05, compared to 3 for Galatasaray averaging 6.98. 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 86% for Galatasaray. 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 16 yellow cards this season, compared to 12 for Galatasaray. 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 23.5 (youngest: R. Owusu-Oduro (21), oldest: P. Koopmeiners (25)), while Galatasaray average 27.3 (youngest: E. Jelert (22), oldest: Álvaro Morata (33)). 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 20 league appearances each, versus 21 for Galatasaray. 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, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats. Galatasaray show 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
Galatasaray
API data: 15 Mar 2026