In the UEFA Youth League’s second round, AZ Alkmaar secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Lincoln Red Imps. This first-leg match took place at the AZ Alkmaar Training Centre and showcased the Dutch team’s prowess against the Gibraltar youth champions.
Dutch Youth Champions Shine Against Lincoln Red Imps Youth
AZ Alkmaar, competing in the youth league, demonstrated their strength early in the match. They scored two goals within the first half, with the first coming in the 30th minute and another just before the break. This early lead set the tone for the rest of the match against a determined but outmatched Lincoln Red Imps squad.
Match Overview
- Final Score: AZ Alkmaar 4, Lincoln Red Imps 0
- Date: Recently played within the UEFA Youth League
- Location: AZ Alkmaar Training Centre
Lincoln Red Imps, led by coach Ryan Casciaro, faced a formidable challenge. The team, which came in second in their domestic league, had prepared but struggled against a more experienced AZ side. They enhanced their squad ahead of the match by calling up several players, including Daniel Martinez and Kaion Drakes. Kaleem Smith, though ineligible, joined the traveling squad in recognition of his prior performances.
Match Statistics
- AZ Alkmaar Attempts: Over 30 attempts
- First Half Saves by Ryan Smith: 7 saves
- Woodwork Hits: 2
AZ Alkmaar continued their attacking momentum by scoring a third goal just three minutes into the second half. They soon added a fourth penalty goal, highlighting Lincoln’s challenges as they received two quick yellow cards. Despite the scoreline, Lincoln maintained their composure, fending off further attacks from the Dutch champions.
Preparation and Challenges for Lincoln Red Imps
Preparation for this critical fixture was far from ideal for Lincoln. The squad managed only two hours of training at Europa Sports Complex prior to their trip. Although they entered the match with a sense of confidence, the encounter with AZ Alkmaar was a significant learning opportunity.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the match will take place at Europa Point. Following this heavy defeat, Lincoln Red Imps face an uphill battle to advance in the competition.
