AZ comeback 4-3 against Groningen after controversial penalty and Vaessen red card
According to several Dutch media, AZ Alkmaar beat FC Groningen 4-3 on Sunday after trailing 1-3, in a match marked by a controversial penalty and the sending-off of goalkeeper Etiënne Vaessen.
AZ Alkmaar staged a spectacular comeback against FC Groningen, according to several Dutch media. Trailing 1-3 at home, the Alkmaarders won 4-3 at the end of a match described as "knotsgek" (completely crazy) by Voetbalzone and FCUpdate.
A controversial penalty and a goalkeeper sent off
The turning point came in the closing stages of the match. According to NOS, a debatable penalty allowed AZ to win. Voetbal International reports that Etiënne Vaessen, Groningen's goalkeeper, was sent off just before the penalty was taken, after losing his temper. AD states that the keeper received a red card for arguing with the referee. De Telegraaf mentions a "loss of control" by the goalkeeper.
Meerdink, hero of the evening
Mexx Meerdink converted the decisive penalty, according to AD and Voetbalprimeur. NU.nl also highlights Meerdink's major role in this victory. FC Groningen finished the match with nine players, as reported by NOS and Voetbalzone.
A win that unlocks AZ
This win allows AZ to return to winning ways in the Eredivisie, after a series of negative results, reports Voetbal International. The match, played on Sunday evening, will go down as one of the most spectacular of the season, according to the various Dutch media.
