VVV Venlo vs Jong AZ Match Recap - Jan 16, 2026

Jong AZ's Resurgence: A 3-1 Triumph Over VVV Venlo Signals Hope in the Eerste Divisie

Jong AZ's 3-1 victory over VVV Venlo marks a significant turning point for a team that has struggled throughout the season. This win not only boosts their morale but also provides a much-needed lifeline in their fight against relegation. With this result, Jong AZ moves to 20 points, still in the relegation zone but with renewed hope.

Yoël van den Ban emerged as the standout performer, scoring twice and showcasing the kind of finishing that has been sorely lacking in recent weeks. His performance is a stark contrast to Jong AZ's previous matches, where they struggled to convert chances despite dominating possession. In their last five games leading up to this match, Jong AZ had been outscored 10-6, often falling short despite controlling the ball. This time, they capitalized on their opportunities, converting three of their seven shots on target into goals.

VVV Venlo, on the other hand, continues to grapple with inconsistency. Despite a recent victory against Dordrecht where they scored three goals, they were unable to replicate that attacking prowess against Jong AZ. Their inability to convert 16 total shots into more than one goal reflects a troubling trend; they have now scored just four goals in their last five matches. The defensive lapses that plagued them earlier in the season resurfaced, allowing Jong AZ to exploit gaps and create scoring opportunities.

The match statistics reveal a tale of two teams struggling with different issues. Both teams had equal possession at 50%, yet VVV Venlo managed only five shots on target compared to Jong AZ's seven. This disparity highlights VVV's ongoing issues with efficiency in front of goal. Their recent form has seen them average just over one goal per game, which is insufficient for a team aiming for playoff contention.

Defensively, VVV Venlo's backline was exposed multiple times, particularly by the pace and movement of Jong AZ's attackers. The absence of a cohesive defensive strategy allowed Jong AZ to find space and create chances, leading to their three goals. The fact that VVV led in fouls (13 to 9) indicates a desperate attempt to disrupt Jong AZ's rhythm, but it ultimately backfired as they conceded goals instead.

The contrasting trajectories of these two teams are evident when examining their recent performances. VVV Venlo had shown signs of life with two wins in their last five matches but failed to build on that momentum against Jong AZ. Their previous victories were characterized by strong individual performances, particularly from Dean Zandbergen, who had been instrumental in their attack. However, he was largely kept quiet in this match, reflecting the effectiveness of Jong AZ's defensive setup.

Jong AZ's recent form had been dismal, with four losses in their last five matches before this encounter. Yet, this victory could serve as a catalyst for change. The confidence gained from scoring three goals will be crucial as they prepare for their next match against Almere City FC. If they can maintain this level of performance, they may yet escape the relegation zone.

The implications of this match extend beyond just points on the table. For Jong AZ, this victory represents a potential turning point in their season. They have shown that they can compete effectively when they capitalize on their chances and maintain defensive discipline. For VVV Venlo, this loss raises questions about their ability to contend for playoff spots amidst such inconsistency.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures that will shape their seasons. VVV Venlo will need to regroup quickly as they travel to face Willem II, while Jong AZ will aim to build on this momentum against Almere City FC. The stakes are high for both sides; for VVV Venlo, it is about reclaiming lost ground, and for Jong AZ, it is about survival.

In summary, Jong AZ's 3-1 victory over VVV Venlo not only alters the immediate landscape of the Eerste Divisie but also sets the stage for an intriguing battle as both teams navigate the challenges ahead. The resilience shown by Jong AZ could be the spark they need to ignite a turnaround in their season, while VVV Venlo must confront their inconsistencies head-on if they hope to remain competitive in the playoff race.