After the 3-0 home victory over PEC Zwolle in the snow, Roeland ten Berge 's team travels to North Holland this weekend for the away match against AZ. Together with Chimera Ripa , we look ahead to this fixture and analyze Sunday's opponent.
Earlier this season, PSV beat AZ 2-0 at home, after Renate Jansen and Riola Xhemaili managed to find the net. Last season, Roeland ten Berge 's team won 0-1 in Alkmaar, thanks to a goal by Renate Jansen. In 2024, PSV played to a 3-3 draw.
Victory in the snow
Last Sunday, PSV won against PEC Zwolle in wintry weather conditions. Mainly the second half took place on a pitch completely covered in snow. These conditions were anything but ideal for Chimera as well. "It wasn't easy. You have to be more aware of your way of moving. Occasionally it was careful. But I'm glad everyone got off the field unscathed." Despite the circumstances, the attacker was satisfied with the outcome of the match. "It was dangerous, but it's good that we won and I'm glad we don't have to make up anything," she said.
AZ is in negative form
Sunday's opponent lost the last five league games, but still eliminated Feyenoord in the quarterfinals of the Eurojackpot KNVB Beker. AZ is PSV's opponent in the semifinals on March 18. Chimera does not underestimate the current number eight on the league table and is aware of the opponent's qualities. "AZ is and remains a good team. They have beaten two good opponents in the cup. We take them seriously, as we do with every opponent."
The attacker is preparing well with her team for the affair with AZ and knows where the dangers lie. "We know that AZ likes to play football, which has its advantages and disadvantages for us. It is therefore up to us how we are going to solve that." After Chimera scored her eighth goal of the season last weekend, the attacker wants to be important for her team again on Sunday. "I just have to be on every game, I have to provide a lot of threat and from there I would like to be productive," she said.
Familiar ground
Chimera returns to familiar ground on Sunday, having played in the region for several years in the past. Chimera broke through at VV Alkmaar (which later merged into AZ Women) and is looking forward to playing in North Holland. "It's nice to be back for a while, my family is over there and they are also coming to watch. In addition, a few girlfriends are also coming to watch because it's nice and close."