Koopmeiners scores as Juventus beat AZ 2-1 in Alkmaar

Juventus beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday, with former AZ midfielder Teun Koopmeiners scoring the visitors’ opener. The defeat leaves AZ on six points after four rounds; Juventus remain unbeaten on 10.

Koopmeiners put Juventus ahead in the 19th minute, shooting from the edge of the penalty area after a pass from Randal Kolo Muani. Kolo Muani scored the second himself, volleying in from Nick Woltemade’s assist.

AZ captain Peer Koopmeiners and his older brother Teun, who now plays for Juventus, both started. It was the first time they had faced each other in their professional careers. Teun celebrated his goal with restraint out of respect for his former club.

AZ pressed after the break and pulled one back in the 88th minute through Mexx Meerdink, set up by substitute Elijah Dijkstra. Mees de Wit appeared to equalise in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Meerdink earlier in the move.

AZ had appealed for a penalty after a challenge on Dijkstra, but the referee did not award one. Lewis Schouten also went off injured in the first half.