AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Almere City FC | International Club Friendly
July 11, 2026 – 19:00 | AFAS Stadion

Match Overview

AZ Alkmaar continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Eredivisie rivals Almere City FC in an international club friendly at the AFAS Stadion. The match served as an important fitness test for both sides ahead of the upcoming season, with AZ's experience proving decisive in a closely contested affair.

First Half: AZ Dominate

The home side started with intent, controlling possession and creating several early chances. Their dominance paid off in the 22nd minute when a sharp passing move through the midfield carved open the Almere defense, allowing AZ's striker to finish coolly from close range. The goal settled any early nerves and AZ continued to press, forcing Almere into defensive errors.

Almere grew into the game as the half progressed, however, and began to find their rhythm in the final 15 minutes. Their best chance came from a curling free-kick that was tipped over the bar by the AZ goalkeeper, ensuring the lead remained intact at the interval.

Second Half: Almere Fight Back

The visitors emerged with renewed energy after the break and equalized in the 58th minute. A swift counter-attack caught AZ out of shape, and Almere's winger applied a composed finish to level the scores. The goal injected life into the contest, with both teams committing players forward in search of a winner.

AZ responded well to the setback, and their quality eventually told. The winning goal came in the 76th minute when a cross from the right flank was met by a powerful header that gave the Almere goalkeeper no chance. The remainder of the match saw AZ manage the game effectively, keeping possession and limiting Almere's opportunities.

Pre-Season Significance

For AZ Alkmaar, this friendly represented an important step in their build-up to the new season. The match allowed the coaching staff to rotate personnel, with several fringe players given valuable minutes. Key attacking combinations showed promising signs, while the defensive unit looked solid aside from the one lapse that led to Almere's goal.

Almere City FC, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their competitive display against a side that finished in the upper half of the Eredivisie last season. Their ability to create chances against a strong AZ lineup bodes well for their own campaign ahead.

• AZ Alkmaar: 3 wins from 4 pre-season friendlies
• Almere City FC: 1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss in pre-season so far
• Key stat: AZ have scored 8 goals in their last 3 friendlies