AZ Alkmaar thrashes Genk 4-0 in Champions League qualifier

AZ Alkmaar dominates Genk with 4-0 win in Champions League

On July 23, 2026, AZ Alkmaar demonstrated why they remain a dangerous opponent, delivering a resounding 4-0 victory over Genk in the Champions League qualifier. The win arrived while the club sits 12th in the Eredivisie with 0 points and has yet to score or concede a goal.

What happened during the match?

The game opened with a swift AZ attack, and they opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a superb header by Joris van Overeem. Genk struggled to respond, and in the 34th minute Milan Škriniar found the ball in the box, making it 2-0. The second half brought even more pressure; Sébastien Haller added the third goal in the 58th minute, and Škriniar struck again in the 77th minute to seal a 4-0 final score. Genk's defense stayed under siege as AZ kept possession.

Why is this win important for AZ Alkmaar?

The 4-0 triumph gives AZ Alkmaar a psychological lift while they battle a poor Eredivisie start, currently 12th with 0 points and a goal difference of 0. It shows that the team, despite domestic struggles, can still perform on the European stage. Moreover, the performance bolsters manager Pascal Jansen, who is under pressure to lift the club from the bottom of the table.

What does this mean for the coming weeks?

After this win, AZ Alkmaar must turn its focus to the next league match against Feyenoord, hosted at home on January 31, 2027. The opponent sits 9th, so a point against them would be vital for climbing the standings. The club also continues to search for a solution to its goal drought in the Eredivisie, where they have recorded 0 scored and 0 conceded so far.

How does the future look?

With the current figures – 12th in the Eredivisie, 0 points, and a 0‑0 goal record – AZ Alkmaar must improve quickly to avoid relegation. The European victory could act as a catalyst for a turnaround, but the next months will decide whether the club finds the consistency it needs. Fans hope the form shown in the Champions League translates into more points in the domestic competition.