February 20, (THEWILL) – AZ Alkmaar advanced to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 2-2 draw in Istanbul, completing a 6-3 aggregate victory over Galatasaray. The Dutch club maintained their impressive record against Turkish opposition, extending their unbeaten run to eight consecutive matches.

The visitors showed attacking intent from the outset despite holding a 4-1 advantage from the first leg. Galatasaray goalkeeper Günay Güvenç was tested early, making crucial interventions to deny Sven Mijnans while Davinson Sánchez cleared Kristijan Belić’s effort off the goal line. Roland Sallai nearly gave the hosts hope when his low shot required a fingertip save from Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

Ernest Poku broke the deadlock before half time, dribbling into the penalty area before setting up Seiya Maikuma for a simple finish – his fourth Europa League assist of the campaign. Denso Kasius effectively ended the tie with a magnificent 25-yard strike into the top corner, giving AZ an insurmountable aggregate lead.

Victor Osimhen continued his excellent European form, registering his sixth Europa League goal this season with a powerful finish late in the match. Sallai added another for the Turkish side from Barış Alper Yılmaz’s cutback, but these goals proved merely consolatory for Okan Buruk’s team.

Maarten Martens’ AZ Alkmaar will now face either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round. The result marks another European disappointment for Galatasaray, who have now failed to progress in continental knockout football three times in the past five seasons, despite their dominance in domestic competition.