Four wins, four defeats: AZ Alkmaar looking for first piece of silverware since 2013

Four wins, four defeats: AZ Alkmaar looking for first piece of silverware since 2013

AZ Alkmaar return to the cup final on Sunday with unfinished business. The side made it to the final last season, only to lose in dramatic fashion to Go Ahead Eagles. This time, its surprise package NEC Nijmegen who stand in their way. Since winning the cup in 2013, AZ have been the perennial bridesmaids in the competition. They have played in eight finals in their history, winning four and losing four. Something will have to give either way on Sunday.

The first cup final that AZ Alkmaar made was back in 1977/1978. That was the 60th edition of the KNVB Cup and back then, the side were known as AZ67 following a merger between Alkmaar 54 and FC Zanstreek. Just a decade after the merger and the club had its first trophy. After beating Excelsior in the semi-finals, AZ Alkmaar faced off against Ajax in the final. The game was decided by a single goal from Henk van Rijnsoever just before the hour mark. Van Rijnsoever was a one club man, spending his entire career with the club.

The late 1970s and early 1980s were the high point of AZs history. The side won their first Eredivisie title during the 1980/81 season, making it a domestic double by winning the cup that same season. Once again, the opponents were Ajax. Pier Tol, Ronald Spelbos and Kristen Nygaard scored the goals as AZ beat Ajax in Amsterdam.

AZ defended their cup crown the following season in a rare two legged final. They lost the first leg to Utrecht but responded in imperious fashion, hammering their opponents 5-1 at home. Pier Tol scored in a cup final once again, this time helping himself to a hat-trick.

AZ would not return to the cup final until 2006/2007. Just a year after finishing runners up in the Eredivisie, the side had a chance for silverware as they faced Ajax once again in a cup final. The side from Amsterdam finally got their revenge with a win on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

In 2013, the side faced PSV in the cup final, this time having seen off Ajax earlier on in the semi-finals. Former Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore scored just minutes after Adam Maher had given AZ the lead. PSV pulled one back before half-time, but AZ held on for their fourth cup win.