In Alkmaar, where the canals and brick streets give way to the compact setting of the AFAS Stadion, AZ are preparing for a Europa League evening that carries early importance. Mateo Chávez’s side host Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Thursday 15 October, with both clubs seeking to improve their position after contrasting opening results in the league phase.
The match is scheduled for 10:45 Central Mexico time. Viewers in Mexico can follow it on Fox Sports, Claro Sports and Disney+.
AZ seek a response on the European stage
AZ arrive from a strong, if recently interrupted, domestic start. After eight Eredivisie rounds, Leeroy Echteld’s team sit third with 19 points, built from six wins, one draw and one defeat. Only PSV and Feyenoord stand above them in the Dutch table.
Their latest league outing brought a 2-0 loss to Feyenoord, the side immediately ahead of them. Europe has also begun with a setback: AZ were beaten by Sunderland in their first league-phase fixture, played at the Estádio da Luz. The visit of Hapoel offers Chávez and his teammates an opportunity to put a first continental point on the board in front of their own supporters.
Be’er Sheva arrive with a point from Zagreb draw
Hapoel Be’er Sheva travel from Israel with their own domestic ambitions intact. Ran Kozuch’s team are fourth in the Ligat ha’Al after six matches, holding 13 points and coming into the trip on the back of a victory.
In the Europa League, Be’er Sheva began more steadily than their Dutch hosts. Their opening match ended goalless against GNK Dinamo Zagreb, leaving the Israeli club with one point before the journey to the Netherlands.
It is therefore a meeting between teams still close to the leading places at home but looking for different kinds of progress in Europe: AZ need a recovery after defeat, while Be’er Sheva aim to turn an opening draw into a firmer foothold in the competition.
