Jenner's debut delight for AZ

AZ Alkmaar striker Julian Jenner spoke of his satisfaction at marking his European debut with a goal but stressed that, despite ensuring qualification to the UEFA Cup knockout stage, his team must perform better than they did in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with FC Slovan Liberec.

Last gasp
A point was enough for AZ to book their place in the Round of 32 but they had to come from twice at home to ensure qualification from Group C. The Czech side twice took the lead through Tomáš Zápotočný and Petr Papoušek, but goals from, first Grétar Steinsson, and then substitute Jenner rescued a point. The latter's 89th-minute equaliser preserved the club's 27-match unbeaten run at home since their UEFA debut on 14 September 1977.

'Had to lob him'
"I saw the keeper coming out of his goal, and then you have little options left. So I just had to lob him", the 22-year-old said of his last-gasp intervention. "I have played a pretty good substitute role," he said after scoring not only his first European goal but his first in Alkmaar colours since joining from NAC Breda last summer.

'Did not play well'
However, the Dutch Under-21 international warned his side must improve as they approach the latter stages of the tournament. "'We did not play well, we should not forget that either. About my own performance I am pretty satisfied, but of course when you come in, you want to do everything right also. I have said it from the start, the coach has to have patience with me. And tonight my addition luckily has delivered an important goal for the team."

Sevilla showdown
AZ are level on seven points at the top of Group C with Sevilla FC who have also qualified after enjoying a convincing 4-0 victory away at Grasshopper-Club on Wednesday. The two sides will meet in Seville two weeks from today to decide the eventual group winner.