Soccer-West Ham fight back to win first leg against AZ

Soccer Football - Europa Conference League - Semi Final - First Leg - West Ham United v AZ Alkmaar - London Stadium, London, Britain - May 11, 2023 West Ham United's Michail Antonio scores their second goal REUTERS/Tony Obrien

LONDON (Reuters) -West Ham United came surging back with goals from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio to beat AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands 2-1 after trailing at halftime in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday.

The Premier League side are now in a strong position to reach a first European final since 1976 as they head to the AZ Stadium in Alkmaar for the return next Thursday.