In Alkmaar, AZ had to wait until the final quarter to put Hapoel Beer Sheva away, taking a 2-1 win after a second half in which the lead changed hands twice. For Mexico defender Mateo Chávez, the evening brought another short spell from the bench as he continues to seek a more regular role in the Netherlands.
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AZ began with greater control but found Hapoel’s defensive shape difficult to break down before the interval. Valdemar Andreasen and Malkuma were both denied by visiting goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, while Wesley Hoedt saw a set-piece effort dealt with by the Israeli side’s back line.
The home side eventually made its pressure count four minutes after the restart. Peer Koopmeiners collected a pass from V. Byskov Andreasen and finished the one-on-one opportunity to give AZ the advantage in the 49th minute.
Hapoel responded quickly. Zahi Ahmed created the opening for Amankwah Forson, who restored parity six minutes later and brought the contest back into balance.
There were further substitutions and two VAR checks as both teams searched for a decisive moment. AZ found it in the 77th minute, when the referee awarded a penalty. Mexx Meerdink, introduced shortly beforehand, converted from the spot to secure the winning goal.
Chávez entered a minute before the penalty, replacing Mees De Wit in the 76th minute. The Mexican full-back was used during the closing phase as AZ protected its narrow lead through six minutes of added time, a period marked by cautions, changes and renewed Hapoel pressure.
The result gives AZ a home victory built on goals from Koopmeiners and Meerdink, while Forson scored Hapoel Beer Sheva’s only goal. Chávez’s contribution was limited in duration, underlining the challenge he faces in building consistent playing time at the Dutch club.
Mexican players chasing continuity in Europe
Chávez’s situation forms part of a wider concern around Mexican players seeking minutes in leading European competitions. Álvaro Fidalgo and Santiago Giménez have also faced difficulty in establishing greater involvement with their respective clubs in the Champions League.
For Chávez, the late appearance in Alkmaar was another opportunity to remain involved, but the search for sustained selection continues.
