AZ pip Atromitos in delayed finish

AZ Alkmaar are the last team through to the UEFA Europa League group stage after eliminating Atromitos FC in a game initially abandoned on Thursday night.

The play-off second leg was halted on 59 minutes on Thursday for safety reasons due to an electrical fire linked to the floodlighting system at the AZ Stadion. When the game was stopped, AZ trailed 1-0 on the night but led 3-2 on aggregate. Under Articles 11.04 and 11.05 of the official competition regulations, the match resumed this morning from the point of abandonment.

Thanassis Karagounis struck a second goal for the Greek visitors on 75 minutes, but despite Stefano Napoleoni hitting the woodwork late on, AZ held on to progress on away goals. The draw for the group stage takes place in Monaco from 13.00CET.