West Ham United made a strong comeback in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semifinal against AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands on Thursday, with Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio scoring two goals to secure a 2-1 victory after being behind at halftime.
With this win, the Premier League team is now well-placed to reach their first European final since 1976 as they prepare for the return leg at the AZ Stadium in Alkmaar next Thursday.
Said Benrahma converted a penalty to equalize for West Ham in the 67th minute, and Michail Antonio netted the winner nine minutes later after Tijani Reijnders had given AZ Alkmaar a surprising lead with a powerful long-range effort in the 41st minute. In the second half, West Ham produced a dominant performance and could have scored more as the Dutch side tired. Although AZ started the game brightly, Reijnders' goal was their only real chance as they struggled to keep up with West Ham's pace and intensity. The Hammers are now well-positioned to reach their first European final in almost 50 years.
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Despite protests from the West Ham players that there was a foul in midfield, AZ took the lead in the first half with a powerful shot from Tijani Reijnders that beat West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. However, West Ham responded strongly in the second half and was rewarded with a penalty after AZ goalkeeper Matt Ryan fouled Jarrod Bowen in the box.
Said Benrahma converted the penalty to equalize. West Ham continued to push forward and scored the winner through Michail Antonio, who poked in the rebound after Nayef Aguerd's header was cleared off the line. West Ham had several other chances to extend their lead late on but had to settle for a 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg in Alkmaar. AZ have won all eight of their home matches in this season's Europa Conference League, so West Ham know they will face a tough challenge in the return leg.
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