UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Sparta Praha AZ Alkmaar secured a narrow but valuable 2-1 victory over Sparta Praha in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie at the AFAS Stadion. A first-half brace from star striker Vangelis Pavlidis proved enough for the Dutch side, despite a late consolation goal from the Czech champions that keeps the contest alive. The win gives AZ a slight edge, but the away goal conceded means the return leg in Prague will be a tense affair. The home side dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Pavlidis rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross, directing a powerful header into the net. He doubled his and AZ's tally just before halftime, showing sharp instincts to pounce on a loose ball in the box and fire home. AZ controlled much of the second half but were unable to find a third goal to kill the tie. Sparta Praha grew into the game and their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute. A well-worked move down the left resulted in a low cross that was turned in by substitute forward Jan Kuchta, setting up a grandstand finish. The standout performance undoubtedly came from Vangelis Pavlidis, whose clinical finishing provided the foundation for AZ's victory. The key incident, however, was Sparta's late goal, which dramatically shifted the complexion of the tie. It gives the Czech team a crucial lifeline and ensures AZ cannot afford to be conservative in the second leg. With this result, AZ Alkmaar takes a one-goal lead to the Czech Republic, but the away goal means Sparta Praha would advance with a 1-0 victory. The tie remains delicately balanced. AZ manager Pascal Jansen said, "We played very well for 80 minutes and should have scored more. Their goal changes the feeling, but we have the quality to go there and score." Sparta's Brian Priske noted, "We showed great spirit to fight back. We are still in this tie. At home, with our fans, we believe we can turn it around." Lineups: AZ Alkmaar: Ryan; Sugawara, Goes, Bazoer, Wolfe; Clasie, Mijnans; Odgaard, D. de Wit, van Brederode; Pavlidis. Sparta Praha: Vindahl; Preciado, Krejčí, Sørensen, Zelený; Kairinen, Laci; Haraslín, Sadílek, Wiesner; Birmančević.