Teun Koopmeiners scores as Juventus survive late AZ rally

Teun Koopmeiners scored against his former club as Juventus held off a late AZ fightback to win 2-1 in the Europa League. The midfielder opened the scoring after 19 minutes, converting Randal Kolo Muani’s low delivery in the first official meeting with his younger brother, AZ captain Peer Koopmeiners.

AZ struggled during the opening stages and suffered another setback when Lewis Schouten went off with an apparent thigh problem. The hosts gradually improved, but Juventus doubled their advantage before half-time. After Mees de Wit lost possession, Kolo Muani broke clear and found the far corner to make it 2-0.

Leeroy Echteld’s side created more opportunities after the interval, with Ro-Zangelo Daal, Wouter Goes and substitute Kees Smit all threatening. Mexx Meerdink finally reduced the deficit in the 88th minute by turning in a low cross from Elijah Dijkstra. De Wit then appeared to have completed the comeback in stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed because Meerdink had been offside earlier in the move.

The result leaves Juventus fifth in the league-phase standings with 10 points from four matches, while AZ sit 14th on six points. It was also AZ’s first European home defeat since October 2023. Italian coverage praised Kolo Muani’s goal and assist but focused heavily on Juventus’ nervous finish, while the Koopmeiners brothers’ first competitive meeting provided the main storyline before and after the game.