Everton won its fifth straight UEFA Cup match with a 3-2 victory at over AZ Alkmaar at the DSB Stadion.

The hosts twice fought back from deficits, but James Vaughan's 78th minute goal eventually decided the match.

Tim Howard was given the day off, as Everton were already assured of advancing.

Meanwhile, Ramiro Corrales and Brann clinched a place in the knockout stage while idle.

Rennes and Dinamo Zagreb met in France on Thursday night, each needing a multiple-goal win to catch the Norwegian champs for third place in Group D, but battled to a 1-1 draw.