Sittard 0-2 AZ Alkmaar: Hornkamp Strikes as 10-Man Fortuna Fall to Dominant AZ
AZ Alkmaar claimed a 2-0 Eredivisie victory over Fortuna Sittard, capitalizing on Ole Romeny's early red card before Jizz Hornkamp struck in the second half.
Published 23 Aug 20262 min read
Match Overview
AZ Alkmaar claimed a 2-0 away victory against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday afternoon in Round 3 of the 2026 Eredivisie season. The contest turned early following a fifth-minute straight red card shown to Sittard forward Ole Romeny. AZ Alkmaar dominated territorial possession with 73% and produced 25 total shots and 3.35 expected goals (xG), with second-half substitute Jizz Hornkamp scoring in the 58th minute.
First Half: Early Dismissal and Sittard Defensive Resistance
The fixture was altered just five minutes into the game when Ole Romeny was sent off for Fortuna Sittard. Facing a numerical disadvantage, Danny Buijs' side retreated into a low defensive block, managing no shots in the first half while facing ten attempts and 1.08 xG from AZ Alkmaar. Fortuna goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst made three first-half saves and his defenders executed 20 clearances to keep the match goalless at the interval.
Second Half: Hornkamp Breakthrough and Tactical Adjustments
AZ Alkmaar head coach Leeroy Echteld made two halftime substitutions, introducing Calvin Stengs and Jizz Hornkamp for Weslley Patati and Dave Kwakman, while Sittard brought on Ivo Pinto for Anthony Descotte. The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute when Hornkamp found the net to give AZ Alkmaar the lead. Sittard responded with a triple change in the 66th and 67th minutes, introducing Jasper Dahlhaus, Mohamed Ihattaren, and Yassin Oukili, but AZ Alkmaar maintained control to see out the 2-0 scoreline.
Statistical Breakdown
AZ Alkmaar registered 25 total shots with ten on target, earning 15 corner kicks and completing 571 passes at a 90% completion rate (343 passes in the final third). Sittard were restricted to four total shots (two on target) and 174 passes at 70% accuracy. Goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst finished the match with nine saves and 1.64 goals prevented for Fortuna.
League Standings Impact
With the victory, AZ Alkmaar move to first place in the Eredivisie standings with three points and a +2 goal difference from their opening fixtures, while Fortuna Sittard sit in 18th position.