West Ham take control of Europa Conference League semi-final with comeback win over AZ Alkmaar

West Ham United came from behind to beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg at the London Stadium.

The Hammers found themselves trailing after Tijjani Reijnders’ controversial opener in the first half, but they responded with two goals in nine second-half minutes from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio.

Reijnders’ goal came after West Ham felt Lucas Paqueta was fouled in midfield, but the referee allowed play to continue, and the midfielder found the bottom corner. The Hammers struggled to find a response until Mat Ryan’s foul on Jarrod Bowen resulted in a penalty, which Benrahma coolly converted.

With the momentum in their favor, West Ham pushed for a winner and got it when Antonio poked home a rebound after Nayef Aguerd’s header was cleared off the line. Benrahma had a chance to extend their lead but missed from close range.

The victory gives West Ham a narrow advantage going into the second leg in the Netherlands on May 18, as they look to end their 43-year wait for a trophy. However, there is still plenty of work to be done before they can start dreaming about Prague on May 7.