MNN Hub
May 11, (THEWILL) – West Ham are on the verge of reaching their first major European final in almost five decades after securing a 2-1 victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final at the London Stadium on Thursday night.
The Hammers endured a slow start and found themselves trailing 1-0 following an impressive strike from Tijani Reijnders. However, a penalty converted by Said Benrahma and a poacher’s finish from Michail Antonio turned the game around for David Moyes’ team.
The match witnessed a contrasting performance from West Ham, who initially allowed AZ to dominate possession. The hosts relied on counter-attacks and came close to scoring through Jarrod Bowen’s missed header.
Benrahma and Lucas Paqueta also tested AZ goalkeeper, Mat Ryan, while teenage winger, Myron van Brederode’s effort was comfortably saved by Alphonse Areola. Although AZ had the better possession stats, the late resurgence of the hosts proved decisive for the win.
Back in the English Premier League, West Ham will face Brentford on Sunday, while AZ Alkmaar will take on FC Emmen in the Eredivisie before the two sides return for the reverse fixture in the Netherlands.
Source: TheWillNigeria | Read More
