The corner flag stood still for a moment before the wind caught it again. AZ Alkmaar players jogged back from the penalty area, their heads held high despite the missed chances.
The crowd's energy hadn't dropped. If anything, it was building.
Mihaylov rolled the ball out to Douglas. The Twente defender trapped it calmly and looked up the field. His teammates were scattered across the pitch, still catching their breath from the wave after wave of AZ Alkmaar attacks.
Douglas played it safe. A simple pass to Wisgerhof in midfield.
Wisgerhof's first touch was loose. The ball bounced off his boot and rolled toward Elm, who was closing in fast.
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder reached the ball first. He turned quickly and spotted Maher making a run through the center.
The pass was crisp and low.
Maher collected it without breaking stride. He had space ahead of him. Lots of space. Too much space for Twente's liking.
