Nurnberg overcome AZ only in the last stage of the match thanks to substitute Marek Mintal. AZ came ahead thirty minutes into the first half and held onto to their lead until ten minutes before time. Mintal eventually turned the match around. The striker, who came one after Nurnberg went behind, pulled the game level ten minutes before time and a couple of minutes later he scored a second to bring Nurnberg their first UEFA Cup victory in group A. Both AZ and Nurnberg now have four points from three games and need to win their last match in order to reach the knock-out stage. All in all the victory was deserved based on Nurnberg's second half.

The Bundesliga outfit were outplayed in the first half by a superior AZ but the team became stronger and stronger after conceding a goal fifteen minutes before half time. After the break they had taken back full control of the match and began searching for the equalizer. Coach Meyer did well to make some smart chances in his side and use the wings to attack. AZ eventually had to collapse under the pressure. They were a little vulnerable on the left wing and walked into two quick goals to see their hopes fade. All in all they had played a solid first half but in the second half they failed to hold on to the ball for long periods of time.

AZ had the initiative in the first half and posed the most danger. Though the Alkmaar side had to wait an half hour before getting their first big chance. They did well to take immediate profit. Jaliens set up De Zeeuw beautifully through the center of the Nurnberg defense with a back heel flick. The midfielder kept his nerve and calmly put the ball behind goalie Blazek to open the score. Nurnberg now had to make the play and they struggled to create anything until just before the break. Charisteas appeared in front of AZ goalie Waterman all of a sudden. The Greek forward failed to put the ball between the posts however and the Germans had to go into the break behind. After the break Nurnberg tried to pull the game level again but only started posing danger when Saenko replaced Adler. With thirty minutes left on the clock Nurnberg increased the pressure on the Dutch and with quick attacks over the wings they came close to scoring several times. The goal eventually came seven minutes before time. Saenko broke free on the right and cut the ball back nicely to Mintal, who smashed it in from inside the penalty area. A couple of minutes later he also scored the winning goal in much of the same fashion. This time Reinhardt set up the Slovakian striker.

Nurnberg need to win their last match against Larissa and hope AZ spill points against Everton. The Germans should be able to pull this off since the Greeks are the poorest side in group A and already without a chance to qualify. AZ had the perfect opportunity to qualify from Group A but failed to hold onto to their lead or at least book a draw. Now they need to win their last match against Everton, or at least keep them to a draw and hope Nurnberg fail to claim all three points against Larissa. The Dutch will be confident as they are unbeaten at home for thirty-two European games and Everton won't bring it's best game as they are already qualified.