Jablonec draws with favoured Alkmaar

Jablonec managed to draw 1-1 at home against the strong Alkmaar, despite being the clear outsider. The point still gives them a chance to qualify for the spring part of the Conference Europa League. How did the match go?

Both teams were on the relegation places before the duel. Alkmaar, leading the table, came to Jablonec, who were in second place. Nevertheless, the Dutch were the clear favourites for this duel as they had a five-point lead.

However, the favourite was quickly caught off guard. In the seventh minute, the home team scored a goal. Kratochvíl jumped on the centre and sent the ball past the visitors’ goalkeeper. Jablonec led 1::0.

Jabloneč kept the lead for a long time and defended bravely. Alkmaar had the ball for most of the first half. It looked like the first half would end happier for the home side, but in the 44th minute the visitors equalised. Hakon Evjen scored.

The start of the second half continued at the same pace as the first half. Alkmaar attacked and Jablonec defended bravely. As time went on, the game evened out and the home side also created a few chances. However, nothing was dangerous enough to threaten the goal or end in a goal.

So both teams take a point after a 1:1 draw. Alkmaar have secured first place in the table and qualification to the eight-finals. Jablonec dropped to third position as Randers won and are now one point ahead of Jablonec.

However, nothing is lost yet. Jablonec play their last game against Cluj where they have a chance to win. If they win and Randers don’t beat Alkmaar, Jablonec will advance to the spring part of the Conference Europa League. The matches are played on 9 December.

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