The AFAS Stadion's lights still glowed in the minds of AZ Alkmaar's fans, the 4-2 win over Liverpool was a fire that wouldn't fade.
The Europa League Group A table told the story: Liverpool and AZ Alkmaar locked at nine points after four matches, with AZ Alkmaar's goal difference trailing by three.
Udinese limped behind at three points, while Young Boys sat pointless, their campaign all but buried. A draw against Udinese in two weeks could punch AZ Alkmaar's ticket to the knockout rounds, but the road ahead was tight.
November's chill settled over Alkmaar. The schedule was relentless—Eredivisie matches squeezed between European nights.
Gertjan Verbeek with his sleeves rolled up despite the cold, stood on the training pitch with a clipboard in hand. His breath puffed in the crisp air as he watched his squad jog through cones.
