AZ Secure Fifth KNVB Beker as NEC Endure Record Sixth Defeat

Key Takeaways:

• AZ triumphed 5-1 over NEC in Sunday’s 107th KNVB Beker final to claim their fifth Dutch Cup title
• NEC extended their unwanted record with a sixth unsuccessful KNVB Beker final appearance
• Kees Smit, Sven Mijnans, Peer Koopmeiners, Mees de Wit, and Troy Parrott scored for AZ, while Koki Ogawa netted NEC’s consolation goal

Match Overview: AZ Seize the Moment Against NEC

AZ Alkmaar emphatically ended a run of three consecutive Dutch Cup final defeats by overwhelming NEC 5-1 at De Kuip in Rotterdam, securing their eighth major trophy and fifth KNVB Beker crown. The result prolonged NEC’s cup frustrations, as the Nijmegen side set a new Dutch record with six finals lost, matching Larne of Northern Ireland for the second-most lost domestic cup finals in Europe without ever capturing the title.

❤️💥 VAN ALKMAAR DE VICTORIE#AZAlkmaar #TheFutureIsOurs pic.twitter.com/cCkjJxpVe1

— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) April 19, 2026

AZ interim manager Lee-Roy Echtold made a host of changes following the 2-2 Europa Conference League draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, fielding a refreshed starting line-up. Kees Smit and Troy Parrott led the charge, while skipper Jordy Clasie made his long-awaited starting return since late September.

NEC manager Dick Schreuder opted for a defensive trio of Eli Dasa, Philippe Sandler, and Deveron Fonville, leaving Ajax loanee Ahmetcan Kaplan on the bench, hoping to finally break the club’s longstanding cup curse.

First Half: AZ Strike After Cautious Opening

Both teams opened with caution, gradually probing for an opening. The match’s tempo increased in the 24th minute, when Jordy Clasie unleashed a stunning half-volley that crashed off the crossbar, energising AZ. The breakthrough arrived on 32 minutes as Mees de Wit converted a slick move initiated by Ro-Zangelo Daal, finishing past a helpless Jasper Cillessen to put AZ ahead.

Momentum Shifts and Late Flurry of Goals

After taking the lead, AZ settled into a measured approach, soaking up NEC’s advances before striking decisively. Kees Smit orchestrated the second with a pinpoint pass for Sven Mijnans, who clinically extended the lead at Cillessen’s near post, leaving NEC needing a dramatic turnaround with 20 minutes left.

Any hopes of a Nijmegen comeback were further dashed in the 73rd minute when Peer Koopmeiners finished off a counter-attack with an audacious chip over Cillessen. NEC responded bravely; substitute Koki Ogawa headed home to narrow the deficit and inject new hope with 15 minutes remaining.

Sven Mijnans looked to have sealed the result on 85 minutes but his finish was ruled out for offside following a rebound from Cillessen’s save on Troy Parrott. The match was ultimately decided in stoppage time: Kees Smit scored a fine lob before Parrott added a fifth via a deflection in the final seconds.

Historic Context and Club Records

AZ’s cup triumph marks their first since 2013, cementing their status as the most accomplished Dutch club outside the traditional giants Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord. NEC’s latest defeat leaves them tied with Larne for the second most lost domestic cup finals among active European clubs without a trophy, trailing only FC Ruggell of Liechtenstein with seven.