Fenerbahce suffers first Europa League loss with 3-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar
Fenerbahce’s Rodrigo Becao battles with an opponent. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce suffered a 3-1 defeat against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in their fourth UEFA Europa League group stage match, marking the team’s first loss in the competition this season. The match took place at AZ Stadium, where Fenerbahce held firm in the first half, successfully containing Alkmaar’s offensive efforts but failing to capitalize on clear scoring chances through forward Edin Dzeko.
The game took a turn in the second half when AZ Alkmaar broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Fenerbahce had a chance to equalize shortly after, awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute. However, striker Youssef En-Nesyri’s shot was saved, denying the visitors an opportunity to draw level.
En-Nesyri redeemed himself eight minutes later by scoring from a close-range header off a pass from Dzeko, making it 1-1. AZ Alkmaar quickly reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute with a goal from Smit and sealed their victory in the 87th minute when Kasius scored, leaving Fenerbahce with no chance to rally. This result keeps Fenerbahce at five points in the group, underscoring the challenges the team faces as they aim to advance further.
Head coach Jose Mourinho, absent from the touchline after receiving a red card in a previous game against Manchester United, watched the match from the stands alongside Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilıcalı. Mourinho remained in close contact with his team throughout the game, though his absence left assistant coach Salvatore Foti to oversee on-field decisions.
Despite missing a penalty, En-Nesyri continued his recent form, scoring his third goal in four games with Fenerbahce. The Moroccan forward entered the game as a substitute in the 57th minute and made an immediate impact, scoring the equalizer at the 70-minute mark. En-Nesyri has been a consistent contributor in recent matches, notching three goals and an assist across games against Manchester United, Sipay Bodrum FK, and Trabzonspor.
Fenerbahce’s defensive challenges were evident once again, as the team has yet to keep a clean sheet in European competitions this season. Following goals allowed in Champions League qualifying matches against Lugano and Lille, Fenerbahce has continued to concede in Europa League play against Union Saint-Gilloise, Twente, Manchester United, and now AZ Alkmaar. With three goals conceded in this match alone, Fenerbahce’s defense faces mounting pressure as the tournament progresses.
Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becao, who received a yellow card for a foul on Parrott in the 63rd minute, will miss Fenerbahce’s next match against Slavia Prague due to suspension. Becao’s card adds to his earlier bookings against Union Saint-Gilloise and Twente, leaving a gap in Fenerbahce’s backline for their upcoming fixture.
Fenerbahce’s loss extends their winless record against AZ Alkmaar. The Turkish side previously met Alkmaar in the 2006-2007 UEFA Cup season, ending both games in draws, with a 3-3 result at home and 2-2 away. The defeat underscores Fenerbahce’s struggle to secure a win against the Dutch team, adding a new layer of urgency as they seek to regain momentum in their Europa League campaign.
