AZ Alkmaar secured a 5-1 KNVB Cup victory over NEC Nijmegen, with the opening goal arriving at 00:31:25 and a three-goal burst in the early second half. The sequence shows a clear shift in momentum: 2-0 at 01:06:50, 3-0 at 01:12:15, before NEC replied to make it 3-1 at 01:18:21. AZ finished strongly, adding 4-1 at 01:34:17 and 5-1 at 01:38:41 to seal the tie.

AZ’s attacking intent was evident in the second half, where they converted opportunities quickly and effectively, generating a rapid increase in scoring tempo after the break. The scoreline implies high finishing efficiency from open play, as opposed to reliance on protracted build-ups or set-pieces, given AZ managed only 2 corners to NEC’s 8. The timing of the goals highlights how once AZ found a scoring rhythm, NEC struggled to regain control.

Defensively, NEC pressed and created more set-piece opportunities than AZ, evidenced by NEC’s 8 corner kicks versus AZ’s 2. AZ committed 17 fouls to NEC’s 13, suggesting a more aggressive approach from the home side to close down gaps, yet still maintained a clean sheet until NEC’s late reply. Both teams recorded three yellow cards, with no discipline issues turning into dismissals, and NEC’s 0 offsides contrasted with AZ’s 3, hinting at tighter off-the-ball runs from NEC and marginally more risk-taking positioning from AZ.

Set-piece analysis indicates NEC benefited from more dead-ball chances, but they failed to convert them into a meaningful late surge, as the match was decided well before the final whistle. AZ’s defensive organization allowed little exposure after establishing the 3-0 cushion, limiting NEC’s potency on re-sets and crosses while enabling swift breaks that culminated in five goals. The overall pattern shows AZ translating a higher-intensity approach into decisive second-half profitability, while NEC’s higher corner count did not translate into a proportional goal-return.

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