Both AZ of Alkmaar and Amsterdam’s Ajax qualified for the group rounds of the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen was the hero for Amsterdam side after a 58th-minute penalty save. Riechedly Bazoer was sent off 60 seconds later, but Frank de Boer’s men held on to a 0-0 draw to go through 1-0 on aggregate. The 2-0 victory takes AZ through 4-3 on aggregate.

AZ were heading out until a late rally accounted for Romania’s Astra Giurgiu, who were victors over West Ham in the previous round. Centre-back Jop van der Linden gave them the advantage on away goals when he broke the deadlock ten minutes from time, with Robert Mühren adding a second for good measure.

Groningen qualified automatically for the competition as KNVB Cup winners.

The draw for the group round will take place on Friday.