The 2005-06 campaign delivered a thrilling title challenge for AZ Alkmaar as the Cheeseheads finished a brilliant 2nd in the Eredivisie. Spearheading the attack was the prolific Georgian striker Shota Arveladze, whose remarkable haul of 22 goals anchored the side in a season of high ambition under manager Louis van Gaal. It was a standout year that established AZ as a major force in Dutch football and secured a coveted Champions League qualifying spot, cementing their position among the elite.