Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals after overcoming a determined AZ Alkmaar side 3-2 on aggregate. This victory marks their fifth win in six home games against Dutch opposition in European competitions. With domestic silverware out of reach this season, Ange Postecoglou’s men were determined to keep their European hopes alive.
First Half: Spurs Find Their Rhythm
Spurs entered the match knowing they had to overturn a first-leg deficit. The game started cautiously, with both teams sizing each other up. However, the home side broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Son Heung-min dispossessed Wouter Goes near the AZ box. Dominic Solanke quickly capitalized on the loose ball, setting up Wilson Odobert, who clinically fired past the goalkeeper to level the tie.
Energized by the goal, the Spurs pressed forward looking for a second. Son came close before halftime with a spectacular solo run and curling effort, but AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro made a crucial save to keep the tie level on aggregate heading into the break.
Second Half: Spurs Seal the Deal
Tottenham wasted no time asserting their dominance after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Pape Matar Sarr surged forward and played in Son, who teed up James Maddison to slot home and put Spurs ahead on aggregate.
However, AZ Alkmaar was not ready to surrender just yet. A defensive miscommunication between Lucas Bergvall and Sarr gifted Peer Koopmeiners a golden opportunity, which he seized by blasting past Guglielmo Vicario to bring AZ back into contention.
Odobert’s Double Ends Dutch Hopes
Despite AZ’s fightback, Spurs restored their aggregate advantage in the 74th minute. Son once again played a pivotal role, setting up Djed Spence down the left flank. The fullback delivered a pinpoint cross, which Solanke flicked on for Odobert to tap in his second goal of the night.
The visitors had one last chance to make things interesting when Troy Parrott broke through on goal. However, Vicario made a stunning save, and Mees de Wit’s follow-up was cleared off the line. Spurs managed the final minutes comfortably, confirming their spot in the quarter-finals.
Spurs March On, AZ’s Away Woes Continue
With this result, Tottenham not only keep their European ambitions alive but also extend AZ Alkmaar’s dismal record in England, where they have now lost all 10 of their away European fixtures. Postecoglou’s side will look to carry this momentum into the next round, hoping to finally end their long wait for a trophy.
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