Halftime Team Talk

Alvarado wasted no time. He sprinted to the edge of his box and launched the ball long.

Benjamin, stationed near the halfway line, anticipated it early. He turned his body, watching the ball sail toward him, already planning his next move.

He cushioned the ball with his chest and instantly flicked it forward.

Jamie Carter: [Brilliant first touch from Benjamin—he's looking for a quick break!]

Martens, reading the play, darted forward and collected the ball. He took one touch, then slid a pass out wide to Berghuis, who had Johnson backpedaling.

Rob Townsend: [AZ Alkmaar have a rare chance to break here—]

Berghuis cut inside, dodging Johnson's tackle, before rolling the ball toward Benjamin, who was sprinting into space just outside the 18-yard box.

Agger and Carragher closed in fast.

Benjamin saw it. He did a quick step over and drop of the shoulder. He slipped between them with a deft touch, breaking into the 18 yard box.