AZ Alkmaar secured a narrow 1-0 away win against SC Telstar in the Eredivisie on January 25, 2026. A first-half goal proved decisive as the visitors from Alkmaar claimed all three points in a hard-fought contest. AZ, with ambitions of European football, controlled the early proceedings and took the lead when their midfielder arrived late in the box to slot home a cut-back. Telstar, battling to avoid the drop, grew into the game and created several promising chances in the second half, forcing the AZ goalkeeper into a couple of important saves. The home side's best opportunity came from a penalty, which was brilliantly saved by the AZ keeper to preserve his team's lead. AZ managed the game well in the closing stages to see out the victory. The three points strengthened AZ's hold on a European qualification spot, while Telstar's valiant effort yielded no reward in their survival fight. The Telstar manager was proud of his team's performance but critical of the missed penalty, while the AZ coach was relieved to get the win.