Alkmaar’s AFAS Stadion fell quiet at the end as AZ, with Mexico international Mateo Chávez at left-back, lost 2-0 to Twente in a match that slipped away despite a late numerical advantage.
Chávez started on the left side of defence and spent 87 minutes on the field before being replaced by Bendeguz Kovacs. The former Chivas academy player was involved in AZ’s defensive work and their attempts to advance from the back, but could not make the attacking impact the home side needed.
Quick facts
- Twente defeated AZ Alkmaar 2-0 at the AFAS Stadion.
- Sondre Orjasaeter opened the scoring in the 84th minute.
- Mateo Chávez started and was substituted in the 87th minute.
- Daouda Weidmann was sent off, but AZ failed to use their extra player.
- Lucas Vennegoor of Hesselink sealed the away win in added time.
- Both clubs have 20 points, with Twente fourth and AZ fifth on goal difference.
For much of the afternoon, the Eredivisie contest appeared destined to remain goalless. AZ pressed for a breakthrough in front of their own supporters, while Twente held their ground and waited for the closing stages.
The visitors found their opening six minutes from time. Orjasaeter struck in the 84th minute to give Twente the lead, changing the mood around the ground and leaving AZ with little time to respond.
Chávez departed three minutes later, with Kovacs taking his place. There was still a route back for AZ when Twente’s Daouda Weidmann received a red card, forcing the visitors to finish with 10 players.
Yet the extra man did not bring an equaliser. AZ could not turn late pressure into a goal, and Twente instead delivered the final blow in stoppage time through Lucas Vennegoor of Hesselink.
A crowded race near the Dutch summit
The setback leaves AZ on 20 points in fifth place. Twente sit immediately above them in fourth on the same total, separated by goal difference.
The margins are narrow higher up the table. Ajax are second with 21 points, while leaders Feyenoord hold a three-point advantage over the Amsterdam club.
AZ now face a demanding trip to Amsterdam on 31 October, when they meet Ajax. For Chávez and his teammates, the visit offers an immediate chance to recover from a home defeat made more frustrating by the late opportunity against 10 men.
