Midfielder Matěj Šín scored his first goal in the UEFA Conference League during the second leg of the quarterfinal match against Shakhtar Donetsk, helping AZ Alkmaar secure a 2-2 home draw on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The Czech international, who made his first start in the competition due to Alkmaar’s absence of regular starters ahead of the Dutch Cup final, netted in the 80th minute after a header from teammate Kovács set him up in the box. Šín struck the ball with a volley placement toward the far post, marking his third goal of the season across all competitions for the Dutch side.
Shakhtar had taken the lead in the 58th minute through a counterattack finished by Alisson, but Alkmaar responded when Jensen equalized from a free kick approximately 15 minutes later. Šín’s goal restored parity, though it was not enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg, where Shakhtar had won 3-0.
Despite the draw, Alkmaar was eliminated from the tournament on aggregate, allowing Shakhtar Donetsk to advance to the semifinals. The Ukrainian side will now await the winner of the other quarterfinal ties, with matches scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. Local time.
The performance highlighted Šín’s growing role in the Alkmaar squad, particularly in European competition, where he continues to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of elite-level football. His ability to contribute offensively in high-pressure situations adds depth to a midfield navigating a congested fixture list.
Whereas the result ended Alkmaar’s European campaign, the experience gained by younger players like Šín during such high-stakes encounters may prove valuable for their long-term development and resilience in professional sport.
