On a dramatic evening AZ saw their thirty-two game unbeaten run end against Everton. Even worse they had to take their leave in the UEFA Cup as they ended fourth in the group after Nurnberg, to whom they lost in the match previous to this one. A goal at the beginning and the end of the first half proved to be fatal. AZ struggled to get back each time and never really looked like they would win the match. Pelle had already pulled the game level once in the first half and Jaliens did the same halfway through the second half. Though the Alkmaar outfit couldn't overcome a third setback as they saw Everton take the game and win group A.

AZ were behind within minutes and never really got the chance to play their own game. They had to fight against a loss for almost the whole match. In the end they played all right but lacked some precision in their final passing and finishing. Everton simply did their duty. They took maximum profit from the chances they got and they claimed victory without playing a superb game.

The hosts didn't look sharp when Johnson opened the score after only two minutes of play. The English striker could easily collect a throw in and play around Mendes da Silva before slamming the ball against the net in the near corner. AZ needed some time to get their act back together but when they did they immediately struck the target from of their first chances. Cziommer made a clever step over before Pelle received a pass inside the penalty area and put it behind Everton goalie Wessels in the far corner with a dry shot. AZ dominated proceedings from there but the English proved to be more efficient as they took the lead once again just before the half time break. From a scrimmage after a corner kick defender Jagielka managed to head in his first for Everton. AZ had to start all over again in the second half and they looked passionate and eager. The Dutch only lacked a decent final pass. Eventually a corner kick also lead to AZ's second. Jaliens rose high to meet Jenner's cross before putting it away neatly. AZ kept pounding the Everton defense but couldn't pose enough danger. Since Van Gaal's side had to win they gave away more and more space trying to force a breakthrough. After losing the ball clumsily on midfield Everton executed a perfect counter to seal AZ's faith. Vaughan, who had come onto the pitch ten minutes before, put his name on the score sheet. In the last ten minutes AZ did everything in their power to turn the game around once more but failed in their intentions.

AZ clearly lack some experience opposed to their last two UEFA Cup adventures. They miss firing power up front and gave away the goals too easily in the back. In the end they were just not good enough to advance to the next round, although I'm sure they would have put up a good fight. Everton are in an excellent shape. They didn't take this game lightly and did what they had to do. They team has a lot of quality although they didn't really have to use it today.