AZ Alkmaar Women and FC Twente Enschede Women played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in an International Club Friendly on 14 July 2026, offering both sides a valuable pre-season test ahead of the upcoming domestic campaign. The match, held at a neutral venue, saw early dominance from the Dutch Eredivisie rivals before both teams settled into a competitive rhythm.

Match Overview

The encounter kicked off with high intensity as FC Twente, known for their structured pressing, looked to assert control. However, AZ Alkmaar Women’s defense held firm, and the game gradually opened up. The first half ended goalless, with both goalkeepers called into action sporadically. The breakthrough came shortly after the interval, setting the stage for an engaging second period.

Key Moments

• 54th minute – AZ Alkmaar take the lead: A swift counter-attack caught Twente off guard. A precise through ball split the defense, and AZ’s striker finished calmly past the advancing keeper, making it 1-0.
• 72nd minute – FC Twente equalize: Twente responded with sustained pressure. A corner kick was only partially cleared, and a well-struck volley from the edge of the box found the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
• Late chances: Both teams pushed for a winner in the final ten minutes. AZ hit the crossbar from a free kick, while Twente saw a goalbound header brilliantly saved.

Tactical Story

AZ Alkmaar Women operated in a compact 4-4-2 shape, looking to hit on the break after winning possession in midfield. FC Twente, traditionally strong in possession, dominated the ball with a 4-3-3 formation but struggled to break down a well-organized AZ block. The equalizer came from a set-piece situation, highlighting Twente’s aerial threat. Both coaches used the friendly to rotate squads, giving valuable minutes to fringe players.

Standout Players

• AZ Alkmaar – Goalkeeper: Made several crucial saves, including a point-blank stop in the second half, and was composed with the ball at her feet.
• FC Twente – Midfielder (No. 8): Dictated the tempo from deep, completing over 90% of passes and providing the assist for the equalizer.

Impact and Context

As a pre-season friendly, neither side will be overly concerned with the result. For AZ Alkmaar Women, the performance showed defensive resilience and sharp counter-attacking ability. FC Twente Women, meanwhile, will focus on converting possession into clearer chances. The match served as a useful benchmark ahead of the Eredivisie Women’s season, where both teams aim to challenge for European qualification.