AZ Alkmaar's form assessed ahead of historic Sunderland visit

AZ Alkmaar are in strong form as they prepare to travel to Sunderland on the opening night of the league phase of this season’s Europa League.

Last season’s seventh placed finish in their first season in the Premier League ensured the Black Cats will return to European competition for the first time since 1973 - and that long wait will finally come to an end on what is sure to be another memorable night on Wearside. But what of the opposition? How did AZ secure their own path into the Europa League and how are they faring competing alongside the likes of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord in this season’s Eredivisie?

How have AZ Alkmaar fared this season?

Despite the loss of Republic of Ireland international striker Troy Parrott to Real Betis, AZ kicked off their Eredivisie campaign routine 2-0 home win against ADO Den Haag thanks to goals from Ro-Zangelo Gal and Calvin Stengs. That was followed by a comfortable 4-1 win at FC Utrecht as Peer Koopmeiners, Weslley Patati, Mexx Meerdink and Ayoub Oufkir all found the net at the Stadion Galgenwaard. Consecutive away wins were then secured as a Jizz Hornkamp brace helped his side to a 2-0 victory at Fortuna Sittard a week later before Dal scored twice as Go Ahead Eagles fell to a 5-2 defeat at the AFAS Stadion. The Netherlands Under-21 winger grabbed his fourth goal of the season in a 3-2 win against Heerenveen before AZ dropped their first points of the season when they battled to a 1-1 home draw with Willem II on Friday night. Former Southampton midfielder Jordie Clasie put AZ ahead just after the half-hour mark before a Devin Haen equaliser nine minutes from time ensured the points were shared.

How did AZ Alkmaar qualify for this season’s Europa League?

AZ’s league season ended with a seventh placed finish after they collected 52 points from their 34 league games and that was enough to secure them a place in the Eredivisie’s European competition play-offs. However, there was no need for Lee-Roy Echteld’s side to compete in those play-offs after they lifted the KNVB Cup (the Dutch Cup) for the fifth time with a 5-1 hammering of NEC. That was enough to land them a place in the league phase of this season’s Europa League.

Your next Sunderland read: Dan Ballard issues rallying Sunderland message before historic European night at Stadium of Light