AZ Alkmaar won the KNVB Cup with a 5-1 victory over NEC, securing their first major trophy in 13 years. The KNVB Cup is one of the most important cup competitions in the Netherlands. AZ Alkmaar faced NEC, which plays in the Eredivisie, in the final. The match was played in De Kuip, the stadium of Feyenoord. AZ Alkmaar made a strong start to the match. Jordy Clasie was unlucky when his shot hit the underside of the crossbar. After 32 minutes, AZ Alkmaar took the lead. Ro-Zangelo Daal's cross was not cleared and Mees de Wit fired in from close range. The second goal came in the 67th minute when Kees Smit set up Sven Mijnans, who took a touch before firing past Jasper Cillessen. Six minutes later, Peer Koopmeiners made a subtle chip that made it 3-0. Koki Ogawa gave NEC hope when he slotted in a corner to make it 3-1, but Smit's excellent lob added a fourth for AZ. Late into stoppage time, Troy Parrott capped an excellent evening for AZ. AZ Alkmaar wins their first major trophy in 13 years and takes their place in the Europa League next season. With this win, AZ Alkmaar reaches the top of the Dutch football pyramid. The club is currently 6th in the Eredivisie, with 48 points from 30 games. AZ Alkmaar has scored 52 goals and conceded 45 goals this season, with a goal difference of +7. The club is 26 points behind leader PSV Eindhoven. AZ Alkmaar plays their next match against Feyenoord on January 31, 2027.