AZ pull off great escape

AZ Alkmaar staged an extraordinary comeback against FC Krylya Sovetov Samara to book a place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup, winning 3-1 on the night and progressing on away goals with the aggregate score 6-6.

Semi-final hope
Two goals in the last ten minutes from Stein Huysegems and Denny Landzaat ensured a victory for last season's semi-finalists, who trailed 5-3 from the first leg in Russia and went a further goal behind at home when Baba Adamu swept the ball into the net from Vitaliy Bulyga's pass. However, Barry van Galen restored some hope for the home fans seconds before the break as he connected with a Kenneth Perez free-kick to beat Krylya Sovetov goalkeeper Eduardo Lobos.

Huysegems change
AZ had to attack in the second period and did so with gusto, Perez causing panic in the visitors' defence with two corners shortly after the break, while Van Galen tested Lobos with a long-range effort. Just before the hour, AZ coach Louis van Gaal brought Huysegems on for Demy De Zeeuw, hoping to spark a late revival.

Krylya depleted
Krylya Sovetov were reduced to ten men when Adamu was shown a straight red card for an infringement on Landzaat. The depleted Russian side dropped deeper, and AZ poured forward, but without breaking through. Perez fired a promising free-kick over after Van Galen was fouled.

Stunning finish
The pressure eventually told with ten minutes remaining, as Van Galen delivered a pinpoint cross from the left and Huysegems converted with a downward header. With the home crowd roaring them on, Perez then won a penalty after a foul by Anton Bober, and Landzaat converted it coolly to put his team into the group stage.