SC Heerenveen claimed a 3-1 home victory over AZ Alkmaar on Sunday afternoon, thanks to an impressive first-half performance.
The home side wasted no time taking the lead, with striker Milo Lukovic scoring in just the fifth minute. A cross from Espen van Ee took a deflection off an AZ defender, setting up Lukovic for an easy finish.
The Serbian forward had another golden opportunity later in the first half following an AZ defensive error but was unable to capitalize.
After the break, AZ increased the pressure, looking to get back into the game. However, Heerenveen extended their lead in the 57th minute when Ilias Sebaoui spun inside the penalty area and delivered a stunning shot over goalkeeper Owuso-Osuro.
Dramatic Closing Moments
AZ pushed forward aggressively in the final phase of the game, forcing Heerenveen into some nervy moments. Marcus Linday committed a crucial mistake, but AZ failed to punish it.
Goalkeeper Andries Noppert made a crucial save in a one-on-one situation in the last ten minutes, keeping Heerenveen ahead.
In stoppage time, AZ seemed to have equalized to make it 2-2, but the VAR intervened, ruling that Heerenveen should have been awarded a penalty earlier.
Lukovic stepped up to take the penalty but missed, keeping AZ’s hopes alive. However, those hopes were short-lived as Marcus Linday secured Heerenveen’s third goal just before the final whistle.
With this win, Heerenveen moves up to eighth place in the standings.
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