Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Preview

• Spurs to qualify
• Both teams to score

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham head into this UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg needing a home victory to keep their European hopes alive after falling 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg in the Netherlands.

With their domestic campaign stuttering, the UEL represents Spurs’ last chance at silverware this season, and they must deliver at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure their first UEFA quarter-final since 2018/19.

AZ, meanwhile, arrive in London with confidence after an impressive first-leg display, but history is firmly against them when it comes to playing in England.

Can Spurs overturn the deficit and continue their 29-game home scoring streak in the UEL, or will AZ defy their woeful English away record to reach the quarter-finals? Here’s a complete preview of this high-stakes encounter.

Tottenham’s European Hopes Hanging by a Thread

Postecoglou has made no secret of his desire to bring silverware to North London, and with Spurs faltering in the Premier League’s top-four race, the UEL is now his only realistic shot at a trophy this season.

However, his side must recover from a 1-0 first-leg defeat in the Netherlands, where they struggled to break down AZ’s disciplined defence.

Spurs can take confidence from their home scoring record, having netted in a UEL record 29 consecutive home matches. They also scored nine goals across their four home league-phase games this season, proving they have the firepower to turn the tie around.

The bigger question is whether their defence can hold firm. Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions (W2, D1, L4), a worrying statistic given that conceding would force them to score at least three goals to progress in normal time.

With history on their side and home advantage, Tottenham will be expected to deliver—but they cannot afford another wasteful performance in front of goal.

AZ Alkmaar’s Confidence vs English Nightmare

AZ produced an excellent first-leg performance, restricting Tottenham to few clear chances and creating several of their own. However, their head coach Maarten Martens was disappointed not to win by a bigger margin, something that could come back to haunt them in London.

Their recent form is strong, with seven wins from their last nine games (D1, L1), and they were granted the weekend off by the Dutch FA to prepare for this massive clash. This extra rest could be crucial as they face the high-intensity football of Postecoglou’s Spurs.

However, history is entirely against them when it comes to playing in England. AZ hold European football’s worst 100% losing away record against English clubs (L9), falling to eight different English teams in the process. This run includes a previous visit to Tottenham earlier in the competition, which ended in defeat.

Adding to their worries, AZ haven’t won an away match in Europe in ten attempts (D2, L8) since March 2023. If they want to progress, they will need to defy their dreadful record on English soil and deliver a rare away performance of real quality.

Head-to-Head & Historical Records

• First-leg result: AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham
• Tottenham’s UEL home record: Scored in a record 29 consecutive home matches
• AZ Alkmaar’s record in England: L9 from 9 matches (worst 100% losing record in European football)
• AZ’s recent European away record: Winless in 10 matches (D2, L8)

While AZ hold the advantage from the first leg, all signs point toward Tottenham’s strength at home being a key factor in this tie.

Key Players to Watch

Archie Gray (Tottenham)

The 18-year-old has been one of Spurs’ brightest young talents this season and could become the first teenager to start ten UEL games in a single campaign.

Despite being played out of position in defence, Gray has maintained an impressive average Flashscore rating of 7.0 throughout the competition. He will be crucial in Spurs’ build-up play and defensive stability.

Seiya Maikuma (AZ Alkmaar)

The Japanese right-back was AZ’s top-rated player in the first leg, playing a vital role in both defence and attack.

Interestingly, he has contributed either a goal or an assist in each of AZ’s last two UEL away matches. If AZ are to cause an upset, Maikuma could be one of their most dangerous outlets on the counter-attack.

Prediction: Can Spurs Complete the Comeback?

Tottenham’s UEL home record, attacking firepower, and AZ’s woeful history in England all suggest that Postecoglou’s men should be able to overturn the deficit.

However, AZ have already shown they can frustrate Spurs, and if they manage to score first, the pressure will be immense on the North London side.

With Tottenham’s ability to score at home, this match could go into extra time, but Spurs should ultimately have just enough quality to progress.

Predicted Score: Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (AET) (Tottenham win 3-2 on aggregate)

Expect a nervy encounter, but Spurs’ superior firepower and AZ’s historical struggles in England should see Postecoglou’s men edge their way into the quarter-finals.

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Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar | UEFA Europa League 2024/25