Heracles take on the visitors AZ Alkmaar in the semifinal match of Dutch KNVB Beker. The match will be played on Thursday, February 27th at Asito Stadium (Almelo).
Heracles struggles to focus on the cup. The Heraclids secured promotion back to the Eredivisie in 2023 after spending a season in the second division. Historically, they have struggled to achieve significant success at the top level. Last season, the newly promoted side managed to collect only 33 points across 34 league matches, but even that was enough to secure 14th place without facing relegation threats. Currently, the Almelo side remains at a similar level, fighting to avoid the drop. However, they suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to Ajax recently. That being said, Erwin van de Looi’s men have defied expectations with their performances in the KNVB Cup. Not only did they advance to the semifinals, but they also knocked out NEC and, in the quarterfinals, eliminated Utrecht. Despite their cup run, their league form remains shaky, and survival in the Eredivisie remains their main priority.
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AZ last won the Eredivisie in 2009, marking only the second league title in their history. A few years later, they lifted the KNVB Cup, but they have since endured a decade-long trophy drought. Nevertheless, they have remained a strong and consistent side, frequently competing in European competitions. This season, AZ advanced to the knockout stage of the Europa League, where they thrashed Galatasaray 4-1 at home before completing the job in Istanbul. Meanwhile, in the league, they are locked in a tight battle for third place, although the threat of slipping as low as sixth looms. That made their 1-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard last weekend all the more crucial. Their cup journey has also been impressive, having eliminated not only Groningen but also Ajax before dispatching underdogs Kijk Boys in the quarterfinals. With knockout matches coming thick and fast, AZ must balance their focus between domestic and European ambitions.
Last season, the newly promoted Heracles stunned AZ, holding them to a draw in Alkmaar before crushing them 5-0 at home. However, in the current Eredivisie campaign, AZ took revenge with a narrow victory in December. The visitors are the superior side and should secure the win in regulation time.
Prediction for the match: AZ Alkmaar to win.
