Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (3-2 agg): Spurs edge past AZ to set up quarter-final clash with Frankfurt
Tottenham Hotspur secured their advancement to the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals after overcoming a determined AZ Alkmaar team, winning 3-2 on aggregate. This victory marked their fifth win in six European matches against Dutch teams at home.
With their hopes for domestic trophies extinguished for at least another year, Spurs were keen to avoid the prospect of another season without silverware.
Despite a cautious beginning, Ange Postecoglou’s squad alleviated the tension in the stadium in the 26th minute when Son Heung-min intercepted Wouter Goes just outside the Alkmaar penalty area.
Dominic Solanke seized the loose ball and passed it into the danger zone, allowing Wilson Odobert to score.
Now level in the aggregate score, Spurs appeared revitalized and nearly added a second goal before halftime. Son picked up the ball near the halfway line, surged into the AZ defense, and attempted a curling shot towards goal.
However, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro made a low save to maintain the aggregate balance until the break.
Spurs quickly doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half, as Pape Matar Sarr advanced up the pitch and found Son, who assisted James Maddison to finish past the AZ goalkeeper.
For the first time in the match, the Dutch side found themselves trailing on aggregate, prompting them to respond. A defensive mix-up between Lucas Bergvall and Sarr allowed Peer Koopmeiners to take advantage and score, bringing AZ back into the match.
However, the resurgence from De Kaaskoppen was short-lived, as Spurs regained their aggregate advantage in the 74th minute.
Son played a crucial role again, releasing Djed Spence down the left flank. Spence's cross was deftly flicked to the back post by Solanke, where Odobert was positioned to tap in his second goal of the evening.
Troy Parrott nearly marked a triumphant return to his former club when he was sent through on goal, but his shot was expertly saved by Vicario, and Mees de Wit’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
Ultimately, Postecoglou’s team navigated the closing stages with ease, securing their advancement to the quarter-finals.
AZ was unable to take advantage after scoring a goal, and they have now suffered defeats in all 10 of their away European matches in England.
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