West Ham stages comeback to beat AZ Alkmaar in Europa semi-final

West Ham United has kept its hopes for a first European title this century alive with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinal first leg on May 11th at their home ground in London.

AZ Alkmaar took the lead just four minutes before halftime with Tijjani Reijnders beating West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola at his near post after a controversial build-up. However, after a sluggish start to the second half, the Hammers came back into the game with Said Benrahma converting a penalty.

The momentum shifted thereafter, and David Moyes’ side took the lead for the first time when Michail Antonio was on hand to prod in the ball after Nayef Aguerd’s header was cleared off the line.

Antonio’s 14th goal of the season was enough to hand West Ham the aggregate advantage heading into next Thursday’s return leg in the Netherlands.

After the match, David Moyes admitted that he was about to take off Michail Antonio before he scored the winning goal for West Ham over AZ Alkmaar in their European Conference League semifinal first leg.