The 2004-05 campaign was a season of spectacular achievement and heartbreaking near-triumph for AZ Alkmaar, delivering their highest Eredivisie finish in 23 years as the Cheeseheads secured a crucial 3rd place. Under manager Co Adriaanse, the team also mounted a stunning run to the UEFA Cup Semi-finals, only to be agonizingly eliminated by Sporting CP on away goals after an epic two-legged battle. Leading the line was the prolific Kenneth Pérez, whose 13 league goals anchored a memorable season that established AZ as a genuine force in Dutch and European football.