AZ Alkmaar take 2-1 first-leg lead against Sparta Prague thanks to Troy Parrott double

AZ Alkmaar were victorious in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 tie vs Czech side Sparta Prague on Thursday. Two goals from striker Troy Parrott ensured that the Alkmaarders travel to Prague with a 2-1 lead after Matyáš Vojta had scored for the away side in the AFAS Stadium.

AZ reached this stage by defeating FC Noah in the playoff round. Sparta Prague, managed by former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske, finished in the top eight and was therefore able to skip the play-off round.

It was an attacking start from both teams. Sparta almost took the lead after just six minutes when their striker got to the ball and lobbed it over AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, before it bounced and Wouter Goes was able to nod it away, avoiding what would have been a certain goal.

The home side created a significant chance in the 25th minute. Right back Denso Kasius found space in the box when Troy Parrott played a pass into his path, but his effort was thwarted by the legs of Sparta keeper Jakub Surovčík.

AZ broke the deadlock three minutes later. Ro-Zangelo Daal did well to cut inside and play a pass to Parrott in the box. The Irishman took two touches before hitting a hard shot high into the net at the near post, his first in the Conference League this season.

Kasius almost doubled AZ’s lead in the 39th minute when a short corner led to Kasius smashing a shot towards goal from around 30 meters, which cannoned off the goalpost.

It was a terrible start to the second half for Lee-Roy Echtold’s side. A free kick was headed out, and the volley towards goal from Andy Irving was going far wide if not for Vojta, who was on hand to tap the ball home.

AZ started piling on the pressure in the last hour, asserting its dominance and creating many chances. First, Brazilian Wesley Patati failed to convert an open chance after Daal had cut inside and played a pass which was deflected to the winger; his instep finish hit the top of the crossbar.

This was then followed by two more chances in quick succession. First, Kees Smit showed great vision to lob the ball over two defenders before forcing another save from Surovčík.

And the Czech keeper had to make another save a minute later. This time, Mijnans’ touch put him in space for a shot at goal, but he too failed to get the pass past the formidable keeper.

AZ kept pushing and finally got their second goal in the 87th minute. Again, it was Daal and Parrott combining, with the winger playing a pass to Parrott in the box, resulting in a shot which once again was saved well by Surovčík before Daal picked up the rebound and found the Irishman again, who converted by connecting with his knee.

It was a deserved victory for the Alkmaarders, who will have to improve on their poor away form in European competition this season if they want to advance to the quarter-final next Thursday.