West Ham fought back from a goal down to earn a 2-1 Europa Conference League semi-final first leg win over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
The Dutch side took the lead four minutes before the break when Tijjani Reijnders beat Alphonse Areola at his near post after a controversial build-up, but, after a laboured start to the second half, Said Benrahma’s penalty brought the Hammers back into the game.
Alkmaar were impressive for long periods, especially in the first half, but the Hammers offered much more intensity after the break. Jarrod Bowen was clattered in the box by Mat Ryan, which gave Benrahma the chance to level from the penalty spot on 67 minutes. Soon after, Antonio secured a vital lead for David Moyes’ side going into the second leg, bundling home amid a melee in the box caused by Declan Rice’s cross.
