Opdam leaves it late as AZ progress

Having relinquished a 3-1 lead to draw last week's first leg in Istanbul, AZ Alkmaar turned the tables on Fenerbahçe SK tonight to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Opdam decider
Fenerbahçe were 2-0 up on the night, and 5-3 ahead on aggregate, at the DSB-Stadium thanks to Tümer Metin's 21st-minute opener and a second 13 minutes later from Alex, both goals created by Mateja Kežman crosses. Maarten Martens gave AZ hope by reducing arrears shortly after the hour, however, and a late header from defender Barry Opdam completed the comeback as the Dutch title challengers ran out winners on away goals. Their prize is a tie against Newcastle United FC.

Tümer strike
Fenerbahçe midfielder Alex had the first opportunity, latching on to a loose ball before powering in a drive from 17 metres which fizzed just wide. Tümer showed him how to do it soon after, unleashing an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty box beyond Boy Waterman, following Kežman's ball in from the right. More sterling work from Kežman led to the visitors' second goal as the Serbian international cut inside his man and teed up Alex who made no mistake.

Dramatic tie
With his side heading out of the competition, AZ coach Louis van Gaal sent on Martens and Julian Jenner immediately after the break and the pair wasted little time in enlivening proceedings. Martens ensured a frantic finish by converting Demy de Zeeuw's fine pass after 63 minutes, before Jenner delivered a free-kick on to the head of Opdam with four minutes remaining to seal the final act of a gripping two-legged tie.