AZ Alkmaar approach their European encounter with Sunderland on the back of a strong start to the domestic season. The Alkmaar side remains unbeaten after the first six Eredivisie matches and sits second in the table with sixteen points.
This form is a key talking point among the club's supporters. Fans highlight the importance of the current run for the squad's confidence. The unbeaten streak provides a solid foundation for the challenges ahead, both in the league and on the continental stage.
The last time Sunderland played European football was against Sporting CP. Now a fixture with the Dutch club awaits. Preparation for this tie comes after a string of positive results. AZ began the campaign with a 4-1 win at Utrecht and followed that with victories over Fortuna Sittard and GO Ahead Eagles.
A draw against Willem II interrupted the winning run but left the unbeaten record intact. In that match on September 11th, Jordy Clasie opened the scoring in the 32nd minute following an assist from Mexx Meerdink. Willem II equalised late through Devin Haen. The most recent outing, a midweek friendly against Sunderland, ended in a 1-0 defeat due to an Enzo Le Fée penalty.
The statistics show the potent attack this season. AZ have scored seventeen times in six matches, while conceding only six goals. Striker Ruben Daal is the current top scorer with four goals. The coming weeks are vital to maintain this trajectory.
The immediate focus is a home match against Telstar on Sunday, September 20th. The official European fixture follows thereafter. The full schedule for the coming period can be checked on our fixtures page. The squad, with players like Clasie and Daal in form, is ready for the next step. Manager Pascal Jansen will have to manage his team selection through the busy schedule.
