AZ vs Go Ahead Eagles: Why This Matchup Always Gets Messy

Football isn't always about the giants. Sometimes, the most fascinating drama happens in that middle-to-upper tier of the Eredivisie where expectations collide with reality. When you look at AZ vs Go Ahead Eagles, you aren't just looking at two Dutch clubs. You’re looking at a clash of philosophies that, quite honestly, usually ends in a bit of a goal-fest.

If you missed the 2-2 draw back in December 2025 at the AFAS Stadion, you missed basically everything that makes Dutch football fun. It was chaotic. It was high-tempo. Most importantly, it proved that the "Eagles" from Deventer have officially stopped being scared of the bigger boys in Alkmaar.

What happened last time out?

Let’s get into the weeds of that December 7th clash. Most people expected AZ to just steamroll them. AZ Alkmaar, sitting comfortably in 5th place at the time, has this reputation for being "Ajax-lite"—great youth academy, slick passing, lots of possession. But Melle Meulensteen had other plans.

The Go Ahead Eagles midfielder silenced the home crowd early with a strike in the 10th minute. It felt like a fluke until it didn't. Troy Parrott, who’s been the main man for AZ this season with 9 goals already, managed to pull one back with a header before the break. Then, the weirdness started. Mats Deijl scored an own goal to put AZ ahead 2-1. You’d think AZ would close shop there. They didn't. They couldn't.

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Meulensteen popped up again in the 80th minute to make it 2-2. It was a classic "throw the kitchen sink at them" performance from Go Ahead.

Breaking down the tactical mess

AZ Alkmaar likes to play a 4-3-3. It’s their bread and butter. Sven Mijnans is the guy pulling the strings in the middle, and he’s been a machine this year, creating more big chances (5) than anyone else in the squad. When they’re on, they’re untouchable. They pass short, they use through balls, and they basically live in the opponent’s half.

But here’s the kicker. AZ is kind of terrible at defending long shots and through balls. They have this weird vulnerability in aerial duels that teams like Go Ahead Eagles love to exploit.

On the other side, Melvin Boel has turned the Eagles into a team that plays with massive width. They aren't flashy. They just cross the ball. A lot. They attack down the right side, use the full width of the pitch, and—critically—they never seem to know when they’re beaten. They have one of the highest "comeback" ratings in the league for a reason.

The players you actually need to watch

If you’re tracking the next big thing, keep your eyes on these names. These aren't just "squad players"; they are the reason this fixture stays competitive:

• Troy Parrott (AZ): The Irishman has found his home. He’s clinical. If he gets a sniff inside the box, it’s usually a goal.
• Melle Meulensteen (GAE): He’s not just a defensive mid; he’s a ghost in the box. His two-goal performance in the last meeting wasn't an accident.
• Sven Mijnans (AZ): The tempo-setter. If you stop Mijnans, you stop the AZ engine.
• Mathis Suray (GAE): Joint-10th in the Eredivisie scoring charts. He’s the guy who drives at defenders and makes things uncomfortable.

The historical weight

Historically, this has been a one-sided affair. Before the recent string of draws, AZ had won 11 of the last 15 meetings. The Eagles only managed a single win in that span. But things are shifting. We’re seeing more draws (like the 1-1 in the KNVB Beker in April 2025) which suggests the gap is closing.

AZ’s home form at the AFAS Stadion is usually solid, but they’ve developed a nasty habit of dropping points to mid-table sides. Go Ahead Eagles, meanwhile, are hovering around 12th place. They aren't going to win the league, but they are the ultimate "spoiler" team.

Why the April 23, 2026 rematch matters

The upcoming clash at De Adelaarshorst is going to be spicy. De Adelaarshorst is one of those old-school, tight stadiums where the fans are basically on top of the pitch. For a team like AZ that relies on space and rhythm, it’s a nightmare.

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AZ needs the points to keep their European hopes alive. They’ve been sliding a bit lately—too many draws, too many late goals conceded. For Go Ahead, it’s about pride and staying clear of the relegation scrap.

The betting and statistical angle

If you’re looking at the numbers, "Both Teams to Score" (BTTS) is almost a given in AZ vs Go Ahead Eagles.

1. AZ has scored in 13 of their last 14 league matches.
2. Go Ahead Eagles haven't kept a clean sheet in what feels like forever (actually 13 consecutive games as of early 2026).
3. The "Over 2.5 goals" market has hit in 5 of the last 6 head-to-heads.

Basically, don't expect a 0-0. It just doesn't happen with these two.

Actionable insights for fans

• Watch the Wing-backs: If AZ’s Mees de Wit gets forward often, the Eagles’ right side (usually Mats Deijl) will be under immense pressure. This is where the game is won or lost.
• The 80-minute Mark: Both teams have a history of late drama. If you’re watching, don't turn it off early.
• Monitor the Midfield Battle: Watch how Kenzo Goudmijn (on loan from Derby) interacts with Peer Koopmeiners. Goudmijn likes to drift between lines, and if Koopmeiners doesn't track him, AZ is in trouble.

Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to the April fixture. AZ has been missing Mexx Meerdink, which thins out their attacking options. If he’s back, the Eagles’ defense—which already concedes a high volume of shots—might just crumble. But if he’s out, expect another tight, frustrating 1-1 or 2-2 stalemate.