Eredivisie
AZ Alkmaar 5-2 GO Ahead Eagles: Daal double steers leaders to third straight win
Ro Zangelo Daal's brace and a blistering start saw AZ Alkmaar extend their winning run atop the Eredivisie.
AZ Alkmaar ran out 5-2 winners over GO Ahead Eagles at the AFAS Stadion in a match that lived up to its billing as a clash between two of the Eredivisie's early pace-setters.
The hosts made the perfect start inside seven minutes when Dave Kwakman slotted home to set the tone for what was to come.
GO Ahead Eagles responded just before the half-hour mark through Victor Kaj Edvardsen, but their joy was short-lived as Ro Zangelo Daal restored the lead for the home side in the 35th minute, this time with an assist from Kwakman.
The first half ended 2-1 to AZ, and they doubled their advantage early in the second period when Lewis Schouten tapped in from close range, with Mateo Chávez providing the assist.
Chávez then got on the scoresheet himself in the 68th minute, firing low into the bottom corner to make it 4-1 and all but seal the victory for Lee-Roy Echteld's side.
Daal completed his brace with 24 minutes remaining, finishing off a sweeping counter-attack started by Calvin Stengs, whose cross found the forward unmarked at the far post.
Despite the scoreline, GO Ahead Eagles managed to pull one back in the dying moments of normal time when Mathis Suray kept his composure to slot home from the spot, but it was little more than a consolation.
Referee A. Bos brought the game to a close in the 90th minute, with AZ Alkmaar's 4-2-3-1 formation proving too strong for their opponents throughout the evening.
Both coaches kept their sides in the same formation, but it was AZ who executed their game plan with greater precision, particularly in the final third.
The victory sees AZ Alkmaar move to the top of the Eredivisie table with nine points from three games, while GO Ahead Eagles remain in the playoff places with seven points.
For Daal, the performance will be remembered as a personal statement of intent, with his movement and finishing causing constant problems for the visiting defence.
Chávez, too, impressed with his work ethic and delivery, contributing directly to three of the five goals in a display that underlined his importance to the team.
Looking ahead, AZ travel next week while GO Ahead Eagles host their fixtures, both eager to bounce back from this result.
The Eredivisie table is beginning to take shape, and this result sends a clear message from the champions-in-waiting.