The 2021-22 campaign was a season of deep European commitment and domestic consolidation for AZ Alkmaar, with the Cheeseheads ultimately finishing a respectable 5th in the Eredivisie table. Manager Pascal Jansen guided the team through a challenging European schedule that saw them reach the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16, an adventure that proved pivotal to the season's memory. Leading the line was the prolific Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis, whose 16 crucial league goals spearheaded the attack and helped secure a European play-off victory for the following season.